Synopsis & Basic Details

What is Around the World in Eighty Days about?

• A race against time: Phileas Fogg, a wealthy and meticulous Englishman, wagers half his fortune that he can circumnavigate the globe in eighty days, embarking on a journey that tests his resolve and the limits of 19th-century travel.
• A global adventure: Accompanied by his newly hired valet, Passepartout, Fogg travels through diverse landscapes and cultures, encountering various obstacles and unexpected allies along the way.
• A test of character: The story explores themes of determination, punctuality, and the human capacity for both kindness and deception, as Fogg and his companions navigate a world full of challenges.

Why should I read Around the World in Eighty Days?

• Classic adventure: It's a timeless tale of exploration and adventure, filled with exotic locations, thrilling escapades, and a compelling race against time that keeps readers engaged.
• Character-driven narrative: The story features a cast of memorable characters, each with their own unique motivations and quirks, whose interactions add depth and humor to the narrative.
• Exploration of themes: Beyond the adventure, the novel delves into themes of cultural understanding, the impact of technology, and the importance of human connection, offering a thought-provoking reading experience.

What is the background of Around the World in Eighty Days?

• Technological advancements: The novel is set in 1872, a time of rapid technological progress in transportation, with the opening of the Suez Canal and the completion of the transcontinental railroad in the United States playing key roles in the story.
• Colonial context: The story reflects the British Empire's global reach and influence, with the characters traveling through various British colonies and encountering diverse cultures under colonial rule.
• Social commentary: The novel subtly critiques the rigid social norms and class distinctions of Victorian England, contrasting Fogg's methodical nature with the more spontaneous and adventurous spirit of his companions.

What are the most memorable quotes in Around the World in Eighty Days?

• "The unforeseen does not exist.": This quote encapsulates Fogg's unwavering belief in his ability to control his destiny and his meticulous planning, highlighting his character's core trait.
• "I will bet twenty thousand pounds against anyone who wishes that I will make the tour of the world in eighty days or less.": This quote defines the central conflict of the story, setting the stage for Fogg's extraordinary journey and the high stakes involved.
• "It is my duty.": This quote, spoken by Fogg when deciding to rescue Passepartout, reveals his deep sense of responsibility and his willingness to sacrifice his own goals for the sake of others.

What writing style, narrative choices, and literary techniques does Jules Verne use?

• Detailed descriptions: Verne employs vivid and precise descriptions of the various locations, cultures, and technologies encountered during the journey, immersing the reader in the 19th-century world.
• Fast-paced plot: The narrative moves at a brisk pace, driven by the ticking clock and the constant challenges faced by the characters, creating a sense of urgency and excitement.
• Third-person narration: The story is told from a third-person perspective, allowing the reader to access the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters, while maintaining a sense of objectivity and distance.

Hidden Details & Subtle Connections

What are some minor details that add significant meaning?

• Fogg's meticulous habits: His precise routines, like his daily walk and his exact meal times, initially seem like quirks, but they underscore his character's need for control and order, which is challenged by the unpredictable nature of his journey.
• Passepartout's watch: His refusal to adjust his watch to local time, keeping it set to London time, symbolizes his attachment to his old life and his initial resistance to the changes brought about by the journey.
• The gas burner: Passepartout's forgotten gas burner in his room, which continues to burn throughout the journey, serves as a humorous reminder of his initial desire for a quiet, predictable life, contrasting with the adventure he finds himself in.

What are some subtle foreshadowing and callbacks?

• The mention of the bank robbery: The initial discussion of the bank robbery at the Reform Club subtly foreshadows the pursuit by Fix, creating a sense of suspense and uncertainty about Fogg's true motives.
• Passepartout's past skills: His past as a gymnast and fireman, initially presented as background information, become crucial when he uses his acrobatic skills to save Aouda and later to detach the train from the engine.
• The recurring mention of time: The constant references to time, both in Fogg's meticulous planning and in the various delays encountered, foreshadow the final twist regarding the time zone miscalculation.

What are some unexpected character connections?

• Fogg and Aouda: Their relationship evolves from a rescue to a deep bond, highlighting Fogg's capacity for compassion and Aouda's courage and loyalty, culminating in their marriage.
• Passepartout and Fix: Their initial antagonism transforms into a reluctant alliance, as they both become invested in Fogg's journey, revealing the complex nature of their relationship.
• Fogg and Captain Speedy: Their initial conflict over the Henrietta's destination leads to an unexpected partnership, as Fogg's resourcefulness and financial acumen convince the captain to sell his ship.

Who are the most significant supporting characters?

• Captain Andrew Speedy: The captain of the Henrietta, initially an obstacle, becomes a key figure in Fogg's journey, highlighting the importance of adaptability and the power of financial incentives.
• Elder William Hitch: The Mormon missionary on the train provides a glimpse into the religious and social landscape of the American West, adding a layer of cultural complexity to the narrative.
• Colonel Stamp Proctor: His antagonistic relationship with Fogg, culminating in the duel, serves as a reminder of the social conventions and personal honor that Fogg must navigate.

Psychological, Emotional, & Relational Analysis

What are some unspoken motivations of the characters?

• Fogg's need for control: His meticulous planning and adherence to routine suggest a deep-seated need for control, which is challenged by the unpredictable nature of his journey.
• Passepartout's desire for stability: His initial desire for a quiet life with a predictable master reveals a yearning for stability, which is ultimately transformed by his experiences on the journey.
• Fix's ambition: His relentless pursuit of Fogg is driven not only by his duty but also by his ambition to gain recognition and reward, highlighting his complex motivations.

What psychological complexities do the characters exhibit?

• Fogg's stoicism: His calm and impassive demeanor masks a deep sense of determination and a capacity for both generosity and ruthlessness, making him a complex and intriguing character.
• Passepartout's internal conflict: He struggles with his loyalty to Fogg and his own desire for a peaceful life, highlighting the internal conflict between duty and personal desires.
• Fix's moral ambiguity: His transformation from a relentless pursuer to an unwitting ally reveals the moral ambiguity of his character and the internal conflict between his duty and his conscience.

What are the major emotional turning points?

• Fogg's rescue of Aouda: This act of selflessness reveals a compassionate side to his character, marking a turning point in his emotional development and his relationship with Aouda.
• Passepartout's realization of his mistake: His guilt and remorse over his role in Fogg's arrest highlight his deep loyalty and his emotional investment in his master's success.
• Fogg's proposal to Aouda: His declaration of love, though understated, marks a significant emotional shift, revealing his capacity for deep affection and his willingness to embrace vulnerability.

How do relationship dynamics evolve?

• Fogg and Passepartout: Their relationship evolves from a formal master-servant dynamic to a deep bond of loyalty and friendship, as they navigate the challenges of the journey together.
• Fogg and Aouda: Their relationship transforms from one of gratitude to a deep romantic connection, highlighting the transformative power of shared experiences and mutual respect.
• Passepartout and Fix: Their relationship shifts from initial camaraderie to antagonism and then to a reluctant alliance, reflecting the complex and often unpredictable nature of human interactions.

Interpretation & Debate

Which parts of the story remain ambiguous or open-ended?

• Fogg's true motivations: While the wager is the primary driver of the plot, the story leaves open the question of Fogg's deeper motivations, suggesting that his journey may be about more than just winning a bet.
• Fix's change of heart: The reasons behind Fix's shift from antagonist to ally are not fully explained, leaving the reader to speculate about the internal conflict and moral considerations that may have influenced his decision.
• The nature of Fogg's love for Aouda: While their marriage is a happy ending, the story leaves open the question of whether Fogg's love for Aouda is a genuine emotional connection or simply a logical conclusion to their shared experiences.

What are some debatable, controversial scenes or moments in Around the World in Eighty Days?

• The treatment of indigenous cultures: The novel's portrayal of non-European cultures, particularly the Sioux and the Indian religious practices, reflects the colonial attitudes of the time, raising questions about cultural sensitivity and representation.
• The use of violence: The scenes involving violence, such as the fight with the Sioux and the duel between Fogg and Proctor, raise questions about the justification of violence and the role of honor in the narrative.
• The portrayal of Fix: His actions, while driven by his duty, raise questions about the ethics of law enforcement and the potential for abuse of power, prompting debate about his role as a hero or a villain.

Around the World in Eighty Days Ending Explained: How It Ends & What It Means

• The time zone twist: The revelation that Fogg has gained a day by traveling eastward, leading to his apparent loss and subsequent victory, highlights the importance of perspective and the relativity of time.
• The triumph of human connection: The ending emphasizes that Fogg's greatest gain is not the money or the wager, but the love and companionship he finds with Aouda, suggesting that human relationships are more valuable than material wealth.
• The subversion of expectations: The ending challenges the reader's expectations by revealing that Fogg's meticulous planning and adherence to routine are not the sole determinants of his success, highlighting the role of chance and human connection in life's journey.