
Navigating the deep currents of the literary world can sometimes be as bewildering as Captain Nemo's underwater explorations in Jules Verne 's iconic work, "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea."
One of the most captivating debates that agitates French literary circles is that of the classification of genre. Today in this article, we will weigh anchor and set sail on the sometimes turbulent waters aboard one of these debates: can "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" be considered Steampunk?
Understanding Steampunk
Before anything else, like diving into the depths of the sea to explore Jules Verne's work, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, you have to understand this world that is steampunk . Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction and fantasy that emerged in the late 20th century. It is characterized by an aesthetic based on the Victorian era, a period when steam was the main source of energy.
The theme of retro futurism also arises for Verne's other works, such as Around the World in 80 Days or Journey to the Center of the Earth . The author lays the foundations of the genre as HG Wells also did.

Analysis of Jules Verne's book and the themes covered
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Coming-of-age novel : The novel explores the seas on ships such as the American frigate Abraham Lincoln or the submarine Nautilus, the exploration and the voyage give a new spectacle to the story for the time. The entry of the characters into an unknown world, here the ocean depths, highlighting the imagination of Jules Verne.
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Scientific basis and anticipation : Verne draws on the scientific knowledge of his time to describe the marine environment, while anticipating possibilities that were still unexplored, such as the descent into the ocean depths, or the passage of the Nautilus under the Suez Canal and the Antarctic.
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Precise description of oceanography, marine biology and ichthyology : Verne offers precise details on these areas subtly noted by Pierre Aronnax, the character being a professor at the Paris Museum, who serves as scientific support.
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The Giant Squid, Narwhal and Ned Land : Inspired by a contemporary story, this harpooner character illustrates Verne's approach, mixing real facts and elements of ocean legend such as the sea monster, the giant octopus.
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Condemnation of excessive hunting and fishing : Verne expresses through his characters a criticism of these practices when they threaten populations or species, or unbalance an ecosystem.
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Technological anticipation : The novel describes a submarine much more advanced than those existing at the time, running on electricity and using marine mineral resources.
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Scuba diving and spearfishing : The novel mentions these practices and cites the names of several important figures of the time.
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Other themes addressed : Among others, the novel addresses the praise of technology and electricity, isolation, the desire for freedom, conquest and destruction for ideological reasons.
Steampunk in the book Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea

The presence of Victorian aesthetics is not enough to define a natural history story as steampunk. Yet in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, we observe 19th century technology and architecture.
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The Nautilus: This is the most obvious element that could be considered steampunk in the book. The Nautilus, the fantastical submarine built by Captain Nemo, is powered by electricity, cutting-edge technology for the 19th century. Its design and capabilities, including the ability to dive to unknown depths and travel underwater at incredible speeds, are certainly cutting-edge.
Example taken from the pages of the book: "The Nautilus, under the thrust of its propeller set in motion by electricity, rushed forward at a speed of fifty miles per hour. The water on board seemed to sparkle. The devices placed in the panels of the living room gave enough light to illuminate the various parts on board the vessel."
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The interior of the Nautilus: It is described as a mix of Victorian luxury and industrial design, which may be reminiscent of steampunk aesthetics.
Example from the book: "The living room, five meters long, four wide, three high, was lit from the outside by a window made below the veranda. At noon, the light therefore entered the room through this full opening."
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Captain Nemo's character: His character as a brilliant and rebellious inventor is typical of the steampunk hero. His technological innovations, his resistance to contemporary society and his isolated life underwater are elements that are frequently found in steampunk stories.
Analysis of the Disney film Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
A different vision of technology between the book and its adaptation
The way this writer views technology is also different from that typical of steampunk. In his works, technology is usually presented as a positive force line, leading to adventure and discovery. In contrast, steampunk often has a more ambivalent view of technology, showing both its promise and its potential dangers.
Additionally, Disney's film adaptation certainly amplified the steampunk (or henceforth identified as such) elements. The design of the Nautilus in the film, with its steam pipes and intricate mechanisms, accentuates the industrial aesthetic associated with steampunk. Similarly, the interior of the Nautilus in the film is more explicitly Victorian than in the book. So while Verne's novel contains elements that could be associated with steampunk, the film undeniably took some liberties to accentuate these aspects, helping to shape the image of steampunk as we know it today.
A production with avant-garde staging
"Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" is a 1954 Disney film based on the novel of the same name by Jules Verne. With its futuristic vision of technology and through its imaginative design, this film left its mark and certainly had an influence on the aesthetic of steampunk.
The central element of the voyage of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is the Nautilus, an advanced submarine for its time, piloted by Captain Nemo. The Nautilus is a typical example of futuristic technology in a Victorian context.
However, the use of futuristic technology in a past place and context does not necessarily make the story steampunk. Why? Because steampunk is much more than the presence of fantastical technologies in a bygone era.
THE Nautilus is more than a submarine, it is a masterpiece of design
The Nautilus, the submarine commanded by Captain Nemo in the film, is arguably the most iconic element of the steampunk aesthetic in "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea." The Nautilus, with its sea monster look, luxurious interior, and advanced technology, represents a perfect fusion of the old world and the new, a characteristic trait of steampunk.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: An Aesthetic Basis for the Steampunk Future
Literature played a major role in establishing the aesthetic of steampunk. While the film itself is not steampunk, its place and influence on this subgenre of science fiction is undeniable. It is a testament to how works of fiction can transcend their time and continue to inspire future generations.
Lack of essential elements of Steampunk

However, discernment must be exercised:
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First, steampunk implies an alternative history, where steam power enabled massive technological advances, altering the course of history. Disney's "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" does not present such an alternative called uchronia.
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Second, steampunk often comes with a distinctive aesthetic, mixing elements of science fiction and Victorian design. This aesthetic is absent in Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.
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Finally, steampunk is also a social critique, a look at the impact of technology on society. This critical look is absent in Disney's work.
Is Jules Verne the father of Steampunk?
Jules Verne's universe has undeniably influenced steampunk. His works feature fantastic machines, adventures and explorations through unknown places and scientific discoveries, elements that are often found in steampunk.
However, his stories are usually set in his contemporary time (the 19th century), and not in an alternate reality (uchronia) where history happened differently, which is a key element of steampunk.
A precursor, but not the father of Steampunk
Ultimately, Jules Verne is certainly a French author known as an important precursor to steampunk. His universe influenced this subgenre of science fiction, and his works continue to inspire steampunk writers. However, considering Jules Verne as the "father" of steampunk would be reductive and inaccurate. Steampunk is a subgenre with its own characteristics and nuances that go beyond Jules Verne's universe. It would therefore be more appropriate to consider Jules Verne as a major influence on steampunk, rather than its creator.
Go further with Christian Chelebourg and Valérie Lesort
If you want to deepen your understanding of Jules Verne, two figures could be of great help to you:
Christian Chelebourg is a professor of French literature and comparative literature at the University of Lorraine. He has written many books on literature and culture, and his expertise could provide you with valuable perspectives on the work of Jules Verne. You can learn more about his work by visiting his page on theses.fr .
Valérie Lesort, for her part, is a French artist recognized for her work in the field of opera. She worked for a prize as a director and costume and puppet designer for a show ... twenty thousand leagues under the sea . To learn more about her work, you can visit her page on the Opéra Comique website .

Conclusion: A wonderful work but not Steampunk
Although Jules Verne's book and Disney's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea are fascinating works that show a story with advanced technology for its time, they do not meet the criteria of steampunk. It lacks an alternative to the story, a steampunk aesthetic, and social criticism, essential elements to be called a steampunk novel.