Part 1 Chapter 20 Summary

Conseil wishes Aronnax a "happy new year." Aronnax has never been happier and Conseil says "we have no time for boredom - the next marvel is always the most wonderful." Aronnax figures they have traveled over 11,340 miles as they enter the Coral Sea. Aronnax is again amazed at the variety of fish and ocean life, which he carefully categorizes. The Nautilus moves into the Torres Straits that are choked by innumerable islands and rocks.

Aronnax goes outside on the platform where he meets Ned Land, who complains about the roughness of the sea. Aronnax feels a little strange because they are near the route of the ill-fated Astrolabe. Suddenly they hit a rock and have to halt the ship. Captain Nemo assures them they are all right and will continue through the night.

Ned Land tells Aronnax he does not feel...