Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea

Nemo has gone to great lengths to separate his life from most of humanity. Is the reader meant to accept Nemo’s judgments of humanity at face value, or is the novel’s stance on humanity different in some way from Nemo’s?

As you prepare to address this prompt, it may be helpful to consider these points:

• What are Nemo’s reasons for separating himself from humanity?
• Is there any merit in his criticisms?
• Does his manner of living aboard the Nautilus replicate any of the problematic aspects of the world he has fled?

Teaching Suggestion: This prompt invites students to think critically about Nemo’s claims. They may need some coaching or guided discussion, however, regarding the ways in which characterization, plot detail, language, tone, and other elements can be used to differentiate between the novel’s perspective and Nemo’s perspective.

Differentiation Suggestion: Literal thinkers and those who benefit from strategies for reading fluency may require more than a brief preparatory discussion on distinguishing the novel’s perspective from Nemo’s. Instead, offering specific examples of characterization, plot detail, and language that are especially revealing may be helpful. Small group discussion on how these elements are used to shape the reader’s thinking about Nemo and his claims might be useful before addressing the prompt.