Journey to the Center of the Earth: Chapter 41  Summary & Analysis

After all his adventures, Axel had thought nothing could surprise him, but he stares in shock at the definitive proof of Saknussemm’s travels. Axel’s enthusiasm grows, and Lidenbrock has to restrain him from plunging into the tunnel at once. Lidenbrock insists they get Hans and bring the raft over to the tunnel. As they walk, Axel muses that the hurricane that brought them to the shore was a fortunate event. They reach Hans and sail around the coast to reach the tunnel, which is on a cape Lidenbrock names “Cape Saknussemm.”

When they arrive, Axel suggests burning the raft to eliminate any temptation to retreat, but Lidenbrock rejects this idea. Lidenbrock, Axel, and Hans enter the tunnel, but their path is quickly obstructed by a large slab of stone. Based on the tunnel’s geological construction, Axel deduces that the rock fell after Saknussemm passed through the tunnel. He feels possessed by Lidenbrock’s soul and the “spirit of a discoverer.” He suggests they blow up the rock with gunpowder, so the men set about digging a trench for the powder. They plan to destroy the rock the following day, though Axel is disappointed by the delay.