How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
If I follow my hunch and if I have understood the captain's life, the Nautilus is not only a ship, it must also be a place of refuge for those, like its captain, who have broken all ties with the land. (2.12.13)
Nemo's not the only one looking for solace under the seas. He's a captain of exiles. He's a leader of wayward souls. We see this character trait in action off the Nautilus as well; Nemo's always defending and donating stuff to "oppressed" peoples.
Quote #8
I could understand how a life like this would suit a man who had no regrets about leaving life on shore, a Captain Nemo who was at home here, who went where he wished, and who pursued goals that were mysterious to others and known only to himself; but as for the three of us, we had not been made to break with humanity. For my part, I did not wish my intriguing and original studies to be buried with me. (2.18.7)
Aronnax and his buddies have no stomach for the whole "exile" thing, so Nemo's ship is less a refuge for them and more of, well, a ship—an awesome submarine ship. Aronnax's distaste for exile is really wacky, though. It's not that he's going to miss the old timey McDonald's, or anyone he ever knew; he just couldn't stand it if his scientific discoveries never gained him any fame.
Quote #9
What could be making him so unhappy? Was it being so close to European shores? Did he have memories of his abandoned homeland? In that case, what did he experience—remorse or regret? (2.20.39)
Maybe Nemo isn't totally over life on land after all? Arronax takes Nemo's moodiness as a sign of the fact that no matter how deep or far he travels undersea, Nemo can never escape the drama of land-based societies.