2.6 Chasing the Sea Monster – Class 7 – Balbharati

Author: Jules Verne (adapted from Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea)

Genre: Science Fiction / Adventure Prose

Textbook: English Balbharati – Class 7

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

Chasing the Sea Monster is an adapted passage from Jules Verne’s famous science fiction novel. The narrator, Professor Aronnax, travels aboard the warship Abraham Lincoln under Commander Farragut, searching for a mysterious sea monster. At night, the strange glowing creature follows and even surrounds the frigate with sheets of electricity. The frightened crew watches as the animal appears and disappears in the waves. Ned Land, a skilled harpooner, waits with his weapon, while the officers prepare cannons. The ship gives chase, but the monster moves faster and escapes repeatedly. At dawn, it reappears with a glowing core of light. Shots are fired, but the shells bounce off its surface as though it is covered in armour. Eventually, Ned Land hurls his harpoon at close range. A sudden crash shakes the frigate, waterspouts flood the deck, and the narrator is thrown into the sea. The thrilling episode reveals mystery, suspense, and the beginning of an extraordinary adventure.

Theme / Central Idea

The passage highlights the suspense and excitement of sea exploration. It shows human courage in facing unknown dangers and reflects Jules Verne’s imaginative science fiction style.

Character Sketches

Professor Aronnax (Narrator)

• A scientist and observer.

• Describes events in detail with curiosity and wonder.

• Calm, thoughtful, but also anxious about the unknown.

Commander Farragut

• Brave and responsible leader of the Abraham Lincoln.

• Cautious at night, avoids foolish risks.

• Determined to fight the monster by daylight.

Ned Land

• Skilled harpooner, confident and strong.

• Always alert and ready for action.

• Plays a key role in attacking the monster at close range.

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions (5)

1. Infinitive / Gerund

   Sentence: “Ned Land prepared to throw the harpoon.”

   Infinitive: to throw – shows purpose.

   
   

2. Passive Voice

   Active: The cannoneer fired a shot at the monster.

   Passive: A shot was fired at the monster by the cannoneer.

   
   

3. Modal Auxiliary

   Sentence: “We must be careful while facing unknown dangers.”

   Must shows necessity.

   
   

4. Tense Change

   Direct: Farragut said, “We will wait for daylight.”

   Indirect: Farragut said that they would wait for daylight.

   
   

5. Wh-Question Framing

   Statement: The monster disappeared near midnight.

   Question: When did the monster disappear?

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. What excited you most in this sea chase?

   The most exciting part was when the glowing monster surrounded the ship with sheets of electricity. It created suspense and made the scene thrilling like a mystery.

   
   

2. Why do you think the crew felt both fear and hope?

   The crew felt fear because the monster was powerful and unknown. At the same time, they felt hope because capturing or defeating it would bring them honour and success.

   
   

3. What qualities of Ned Land do you admire?

   I admire Ned Land’s courage, skill, and alertness. He remained steady at his post, harpoon in hand, ready to act without hesitation.

   
   

4. Would you have joined such a dangerous sea chase? Why?

   Yes, I would join such a chase because it is thrilling to face new mysteries. It would be a chance to see extraordinary creatures and test human courage.

   
   

5. What lesson do you get from this adventure?

   The lesson is that courage, teamwork, and preparation are necessary to face the unknown. It also shows that curiosity can lead to great discoveries but also requires caution.

True or False (5)

1. The Abraham Lincoln was a warship chasing the monster. → True

2. The monster’s glowing body frightened the crew. → True

3. Commander Farragut attacked the monster immediately at night. → False (He waited for daylight.)

4. The cannon shot pierced the monster’s body. → False (It bounced off as if hitting armour.)

5. Ned Land finally struck the monster with his harpoon. → True

Probable Board / Exam Questions (5)

1. Why was the warship Abraham Lincoln sent to sea?

   It was sent to chase and hunt the mysterious sea monster that was troubling sailors.

   
   

2. How did the monster appear to the crew at night?

   It appeared as a glowing core of light, wrapping the ship in luminous sheets of electricity. It looked strange and fearsome.

   
   

3. What weapons did the crew prepare to fight the monster?

   They prepared harpoons, blunderbusses, duck guns, and cannons with exploding shells.

   
   

4. Why did the cannon shot fail to harm the monster?

   The cannon shot failed because it struck the animal’s hard surface, like armour plate, and bounced away into the sea.

   
   

5. Describe the climax of the chase.

   The climax came when Ned Land hurled his harpoon at the monster. Suddenly, the ship shook with a violent crash, water swept the deck, and the narrator was thrown into the sea.

   
   

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

Chasing the Sea Monster by Jules Verne is an exciting extract that combines mystery with adventure. The glowing monster, suspenseful chase, and thrilling climax make the story gripping. The bravery of Commander Farragut and Ned Land adds to its intensity. Verne’s descriptive style and imaginative science fiction keep readers engaged. The lesson is memorable because it shows the courage needed for exploration and the wonders of the unknown.

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