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Cover of Around the World in Eighty Days

Around the World in Eighty Days

Written by Jules Verne

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Adventure storiesVoyages around the world

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About this book

"Around the World in Eighty Days" by Jules Verne is a classic adventure novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around the meticulous and enigmatic Phileas Fogg, who makes a wager that he can travel around the world in just eighty days, accompanied by his new servant, Passepartout. The narrative explores themes of punctuality, the clash between routine and unpredictability, and the spirit of adventure in the face of challenges. The opening of the novel introduces Phileas Fogg, an exceptionally punctual and methodical gentleman residing in London, who is known for his unyielding daily routine and enigmatic past. He meets Passepartout, a Frenchman with a varied background, who hopes to find stability in his new role as a servant. Fogg's routine is abruptly disrupted when he engages in a wager to circumnavigate the globe in eighty days, spurred on by a conversation at the Reform Club regarding the possibilities of modern transportation. The chapter sets the stage for a journey filled with unexpected challenges, as Fogg is determined to prove that such an ambitious feat is achievable, testing both his resolve and his carefully ordered life.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Around the World in Eighty Days, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • adventurous
  • thrilling
  • ingenious

Jules Verne's "Around the World in Eighty Days" chronicles the astonishing journey of the meticulous and enigmatic English gentleman Phileas Fogg, who wagers half his fortune that he can circumnavigate the globe in precisely eighty days. Accompanied by his newly hired French valet, Jean Passepartout, Fogg embarks on a thrilling race against time, utilizing every available mode of transport from steamships and trains to elephants and sleds. Their expedition is fraught with peril, unexpected detours, and the relentless pursuit of Detective Fix, who mistakenly believes Fogg is a bank robber. Ultimately, Fogg's unwavering determination, combined with a crucial error in calculating time zones, leads to a triumphant and deeply personal victory.

“"The Earth is a considerably smaller place now, since one can go around it in three months."”

Key themes

Time and Punctuality
The concept of time is central to the entire narrative, from the initial wager to the dramatic conclusion. Fogg's life is defined by absolute punctuality and precise scheduling. The novel explores time not just as a ticking clock, but as a relative phenomenon, culminating in the brilliant twist of the 'lost day' due to eastward travel across the International Date Line.
The Spirit of Adventure and Exploration
The novel is a grand celebration of the Victorian era's burgeoning spirit of exploration and the human desire to conquer geographical barriers. It showcases the excitement and romance of travel to exotic lands, despite the inherent dangers and challenges. It's about pushing boundaries and testing the limits of what's possible.
Human Ingenuity and Technological Progress
Verne, a proponent of scientific progress, highlights the transformative power of 19th-century technology. The successful completion of Fogg's journey is entirely dependent on the recent advancements in steam power, railways, and communication. The novel celebrates human innovation in overcoming geographical obstacles.

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How does Phileas Fogg's character evolve throughout the journey, and what specific moments contribute to his transformation?

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