Around the World in 80 Days
Jules Verne
"Around the World in 80 Days," written by Jules Verne and published in 1873, is a classic adventure novel that tells the story of Phileas Fogg, a wealthy and enigmatic Englishman, who bets that he can circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days.
The novel is a celebration of the spirit of adventure, exploration, and the technological advancements of the 19th century. It also explores themes of determination, cultural encounters, and the challenge of overcoming obstacles. "Around the World in 80 Days" has captivated readers for generations with its fast-paced plot, memorable characters, and vivid descriptions of exotic locales.
Summary of the Novel
The novel begins in London, where Phileas Fogg, a reclusive and punctual gentleman, makes a bold wager at the Reform Club with his fellow members that he can travel around the world in 80 days. The wager is for £20,000, a significant sum at the time, and Fogg immediately sets off on his journey, accompanied by his newly hired French valet, Passepartout.
Fogg’s journey takes him across Europe, Asia, and America, using various modes of transportation, including trains, steamships, and even an elephant. Along the way, Fogg and Passepartout encounter numerous challenges, including delays, natural obstacles, and a persistent detective named Fix, who mistakenly believes that Fogg is a bank robber on the run. Fix follows Fogg around the world, attempting to arrest him at every opportunity.
During the journey, Fogg and Passepartout rescue a young Indian woman named Aouda from a forced marriage, and she joins them on their travels. Despite the many setbacks they face, Fogg remains calm and determined, confident in his ability to complete the journey within the allotted time.
The novel reaches its climax when Fogg and his companions arrive back in London, only to find that they have seemingly arrived too late to win the bet. However, Fogg soon realizes that they have actually gained a day by traveling eastward and crossing the International Date Line. In a dramatic conclusion, Fogg arrives at the Reform Club just in time to win the wager.
The novel ends with Fogg and Aouda expressing their love for each other, and Fogg realizing that, despite his initial motivation being the wager, the journey has brought him personal fulfillment and a new perspective on life.
Key Themes & Motifs
Adventure and Exploration: The central theme of "Around the World in 80 Days" is the spirit of adventure and exploration. The novel celebrates the excitement of travel and the desire to explore new places and cultures. Fogg’s journey around the world reflects the 19th-century fascination with discovery and the technological advancements that made global travel possible. The novel’s fast-paced plot and diverse settings create a sense of wonder and excitement, as readers are taken on a whirlwind tour of the world.
Time and Punctuality: The theme of time is central to the novel, as Fogg’s entire journey is driven by the need to complete it within the 80-day time frame. Fogg’s obsession with punctuality and precision is a reflection of the Victorian era’s values of order and discipline. The novel also explores the concept of time in relation to travel, particularly the effects of crossing time zones and the International Date Line. The novel’s conclusion, in which Fogg realizes that he has gained a day, serves as a reminder of the complexities of time and the importance of careful planning and attention to detail.
Cultural Encounters and Diversity: Throughout the journey, Fogg and his companions encounter a variety of cultures and traditions, highlighting the theme of cultural diversity and the challenges of navigating different customs and practices. The novel reflects the 19th-century interest in and curiosity about the wider world, as well as the potential for cultural exchange and understanding. While the novel sometimes portrays non-European cultures in a stereotypical manner, it also emphasizes the importance of adaptability and open-mindedness in the face of unfamiliar situations.
Analysis of Main Characters
Phileas Fogg: Phileas Fogg is the novel’s protagonist, a wealthy and enigmatic Englishman known for his strict adherence to routine and punctuality. Fogg’s character embodies the Victorian values of order, discipline, and rationality, but he is also driven by a deep sense of adventure and a desire to test the limits of human achievement. Despite his seemingly cold and detached exterior, Fogg reveals a compassionate side through his rescue of Aouda and his growing attachment to his companions. Fogg’s journey is not just a physical one, but also a journey of self-discovery, as he learns to embrace spontaneity, love, and the unpredictability of life.
Passepartout: Passepartout is Fogg’s loyal French valet, who accompanies him on the journey around the world. Passepartout is a humorous and resourceful character, serving as a foil to Fogg’s stoicism and rigidity. He provides much of the novel’s comic relief, but he also plays a crucial role in helping Fogg navigate the challenges of the journey. Passepartout’s character represents the theme of adaptability, as he is able to adjust to the various situations they encounter with ingenuity and quick thinking. His loyalty to Fogg and his growing friendship with Aouda add an emotional depth to the story.
Detective Fix: Detective Fix is the antagonist of the novel, a British police detective who mistakenly believes that Fogg is a bank robber fleeing the country. Fix’s character represents the theme of misjudgment and the potential for error in human perception. His dogged pursuit of Fogg around the world creates tension and conflict in the narrative, but it also adds an element of suspense and intrigue. Despite his initial antagonism, Fix eventually realizes his mistake and assists Fogg in completing the journey, highlighting the novel’s theme of redemption and the possibility of change.
Aouda: Aouda is an Indian princess who is rescued by Fogg and Passepartout from a forced marriage in India. She joins them on their journey and becomes a central figure in Fogg’s life. Aouda’s character represents the theme of cultural encounters and the potential for cross-cultural understanding and connection. Her growing affection for Fogg and her eventual marriage to him add a romantic dimension to the story, highlighting the idea that the journey has brought Fogg not only adventure but also love and personal fulfillment.
Setting & Social Context
"Around the World in 80 Days" is set in the late 19th century, a time of significant technological advancements and increased global travel. The novel reflects the optimism and excitement of the era, as new modes of transportation, such as steamships and railways, made it possible to travel long distances in relatively short periods of time. The novel’s settings, which include London, Paris, Bombay, Hong Kong, San Francisco, and New York, among others, provide a vivid and diverse backdrop for Fogg’s journey.
The historical context of the novel also reflects the expanding influence of the British Empire and the growing interconnectedness of the world through trade and communication. Fogg’s journey can be seen as a reflection of the era’s belief in progress, exploration, and the potential for human achievement. At the same time, the novel also touches on the complexities of cultural encounters and the challenges of navigating different customs and traditions in a rapidly changing world.
Writing Style & Narrative Techniques
Jules Verne’s writing style in "Around the World in 80 Days" is characterized by its clarity, precision, and attention to detail. Verne’s descriptions of the various locations and modes of transportation are vivid and informative, providing readers with a sense of immersion in the journey. The novel’s fast-paced plot is driven by Fogg’s relentless pursuit of his goal, creating a sense of urgency and excitement that keeps readers engaged.
Verne’s use of humor, particularly through the character of Passepartout, adds a light-hearted and entertaining element to the narrative. The novel’s dialogue is witty and often reflects the cultural differences between the characters, adding depth to their interactions and highlighting the theme of cultural diversity.
The novel’s structure is straightforward, following Fogg’s journey in a linear fashion, with each chapter corresponding to a specific leg of the journey. Verne’s use of suspense, particularly in the scenes involving Detective Fix and the various obstacles that threaten to derail Fogg’s plans, adds tension and intrigue to the story. The novel’s conclusion, in which Fogg realizes that he has won the wager by gaining a day through his eastward travel, is both surprising and satisfying, providing a fitting resolution to the adventure.
Important Quotes & Analysis
"The unforeseen does not exist.": This quote reflects Fogg’s belief in the power of planning, precision, and rationality. It underscores the theme of order and control in the novel, as Fogg relies on his meticulous nature to navigate the challenges of the journey.
"A true Englishman doesn’t joke when he is talking about so serious a thing as a wager.": This quote highlights Fogg’s seriousness and commitment to his bet, as well as the Victorian values of honor and responsibility. It also sets the tone for the novel, emphasizing the importance of the wager as the driving force behind Fogg’s journey.
"I see that it is by no means useless to travel, if a man wants to see something new.": This quote reflects the novel’s celebration of travel and exploration. It emphasizes the value of experiencing new cultures and environments, and the idea that travel can broaden one’s perspective and lead to personal growth.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
"Around the World in 80 Days" is a classic adventure novel that continues to captivate readers with its fast-paced plot, memorable characters, and exploration of themes such as adventure, time, and cultural diversity.
Jules Verne’s vivid descriptions, humorous dialogue, and attention to detail create a richly immersive narrative that celebrates the spirit of exploration and the excitement of travel. Through the journey of Phileas Fogg and his companions, the novel explores the challenges and rewards of navigating a rapidly changing world, while also highlighting the importance of adaptability, determination, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.
"Around the World in 80 Days" remains a timeless work of literature that inspires readers to embark on their own adventures, whether in the real world or through the pages of a book.