The Extraordinary Adventures of Jules Verne

A 19th century man with a 21st century imagination, Jules Verne was one of the most popular authors of his generation because he took readers to places of which they had only dreamt. In fantastic stories such as Journey to the Center of the Earth; 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and From the Earth to the Moon, Verne presented a revolutionary view of science that foresaw modern advancements. Biography delves into the futuristic fantasies of a "common Frenchman" who inspired numerous inventors, explorers and astronauts, and enchanted scores of readers. The Extraordinary Adventures of Jules Verne would be useful for classes on Literature, Science and Technology, World Culture, Ethics and Industrialization. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

• appalled
• bohemian
• collaboration
• cosmopolitan
• docile
• elude
• forge
• intermediary
• lucrative
• milieu
• penitence
• pessimism
• prodigious
• prolific
• prophetic
• prototype
• provincial
• prowess
• rebuff
• simultaneously
• theology
• trysts
• verisimilitude
• visionary

1. Jules Verne's work foretold of futuristic advances and the "march of progress." But Jules was concerned about this future. Discuss Verne's concerns about the benefits and drawbacks of progress, and the moral implications of its uses. Do you think that humankind has used progress and technology for good or evil?

2. Discuss how Jules Verne's work has been prophetic and has foreshadowed some of the events and scientific inventions and advances of our century.

3. Jules Verne's parents were two very different people. How was Jules an amalgamation of the qualities of both his parents?

4. As a young boy Verne adored Daniel Defoe's Robinson Caruso. How did Defoe's work influence Verne's work?

5. Verne's unique combination of art and science made his work extremely popular, even over a century later. How do the creativity of art and the logic of science appear in Verne's works?

6. Discuss some of the trademark themes that run through Verne's work.

7. What is the difference between science fiction and science fantasy? Which applies to Verne's work?

8. Every artist is influenced by the events in his or her life. Discuss how Verne' personal life influenced his stories.

9. What is the legacy of Jules Verne?

10. Are there any authors of the twentieth century with whom you could compare Jules Verne?

1. Many of Jules Verne's work were illustrated when they first appeared. Choose your favorite scenes in your favorite story and provide illustrations.

2. Many of Verne's 19th century predictions came true in the 20th century. Write a short science fiction story that may come true in the 21st century.

3. There have been almost 100 film adaptations of Jules Verne's various works. Compare one of Verne's novels with its film adaptation. Make sure you read the novel first, then discuss how the film met your expectations or failed to do so.

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Air Dates

• October 20, 2004