Around the World in Eighty Days · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne.
Chapter 1
In which Phileas Fogg and Passepartout accept each other, the one as master, the other as man
Phileas Fogg, a wealthy and enigmatic member of the Reform Club, lives a meticulously ordered life at 7 Saville Row. After dismissing his servant James Forster for a trivial error, he hires Jean Passepartout, a Frenchman with a varied past, who seeks a tranquil domestic life. Fogg corrects Passepartout's watch by four minutes and formally accepts him into service, then departs for the club.
Chapter 2
II
Passepartout explores the meticulously organized house on Saville Row, finding it perfectly suited to his desire for a calm, regular life. He observes Mr. Fogg's exacting habits and is impressed by his master's composure and precision, believing he has finally found an ideal employer.
Chapter 3
In which a conversation takes place which seems likely to cost Phileas Fogg dear
Phileas Fogg visits the Reform Club, where he learns of a bank robbery. During a game of whist, he argues that the world has grown smaller due to modern transportation and wagers £20,000 that he can circumnavigate the globe in eighty days. He plans to depart that very evening.
Chapter 4
IV
Phileas Fogg returns home early from the Reform Club, astonishing his servant Passepartout by announcing they must leave for a journey around the world in eighty days. After quickly packing a small carpetbag with essential clothing and a large sum of money, Fogg and Passepartout take a cab to Charing Cross. On the way, Fogg gives his winnings from whist to a poor beggar woman, touching Passepartout's heart. At the station, Fogg purchases first-class tickets to Paris and bids farewell to his friends from the Reform Club, reminding them of his return date. The train departs at twenty minutes before nine, and Passepartout realizes he forgot to turn off the gas in his room.
Chapter 5
Chapter V: In which a new species of funds, unknown to the moneyed men, appears on 'Change.
The news of Phileas Fogg's wager spreads through London, sparking intense public debate and betting. Most newspapers dismiss the venture as madness, though a few support him. The Royal Geographical Society publishes a detailed article arguing the impossibility of the journey. Public betting on Fogg declines sharply, and a telegraph from detective Fix identifying Fogg as a bank robber destroys what little support remained.
Chapter 6
VI
Detective Fix, waiting at Suez for the steamer Mongolia, discusses the bank robbery with the British consul and prepares to scrutinize passengers. When the Mongolia arrives, Passepartout approaches Fix to ask for the consulate, and Fix realizes the passport description matches the bank robber.
Chapter 7
VII
Detective Fix, convinced that Phileas Fogg is the bank robber, tries to prevent the consul from visaing Fogg's passport at Suez. Fogg and Passepartout arrive at the consulate, and Fogg insists on having his passport visaed to prove his route. Fix observes them and decides to pursue Fogg further, while Fogg methodically records his journey in his notebook.
Chapter 8
In which Passepartout talks rather more, perhaps, than is prudent
Fix, now convinced that Phileas Fogg is the bank robber, sends a dispatch to London for a warrant of arrest and boards the Mongolia to follow Fogg to India. Meanwhile, Passepartout, unaware of Fix's suspicions, chats freely with the detective about his master's journey, revealing details that further confirm Fix's theory.
Chapter 9
IX
The Mongolia steams across the Red Sea and Indian Ocean toward Bombay, arriving two days early. Phileas Fogg remains impassive, spending his time eating and playing whist, while Passepartout enjoys the voyage and befriends Fix, who secretly follows Fogg. The ship stops at Aden for coal, and Fogg has his passport visaed. The chapter ends with the Mongolia reaching Bombay on October 20th.
Chapter 10
In which Passepartout is only too glad to get off with the loss of his shoes
Phileas Fogg and Passepartout arrive in Bombay, where Fogg attends to business and dines while Passepartout explores the city. Passepartout inadvertently enters a forbidden pagoda, is attacked by priests, and barely escapes to catch the train to Calcutta. Detective Fix, still pursuing Fogg, decides to follow them to Calcutta after learning of the incident.
Chapter 11
In which Phileas Fogg secures a curious means of conveyance at a fabulous price
The train from Bombay stops unexpectedly at Kholby because the railway is unfinished, leaving a fifty-mile gap to Allahabad. After failing to find any other transport, Fogg purchases an elephant named Kiouni for an exorbitant price from an Indian owner. With a Parsee guide, Fogg, Sir Francis Cromarty, and Passepartout set off through the forest.
Chapter 12
In which Phileas Fogg and his companions venture across the indian forests, and what ensued.
Phileas Fogg, Sir Francis Cromarty, Passepartout, and their Parsee guide travel through the Indian forests on an elephant named Kiouni to shorten their journey to Allahabad. They encounter a procession of Brahmins leading a young widow to a sati (human sacrifice) at dawn. Despite the danger, Fogg decides to use his twelve-hour surplus to attempt to save the woman.
Chapter 13
In which Passepartout receives a new proof that fortune favors the brave
Phileas Fogg, Sir Francis Cromarty, Passepartout, and a Parsee guide plot to rescue Aouda, a young Parsee widow, from being forced onto her husband's funeral pyre. After failed attempts to enter the pagoda, Passepartout cleverly impersonates the dead rajah, snatches Aouda from the pyre, and the group escapes on their elephant.
Chapter 14
In which Phileas Fogg descends the whole length of the beautiful valley of the Ganges without ever thinking of seeing it.
After rescuing Aouda from suttee, the party travels by elephant and train through India. Aouda recovers and accepts Fogg's offer to escort her to Hong Kong. Sir Francis Cromarty departs at Benares. Fogg reaches Calcutta on schedule, having lost the two days gained earlier. Passepartout buys Aouda new clothes, and Fogg gives the elephant Kiouni to the Parsee guide.
Chapter 15
XV
Phileas Fogg, Aouda, and Passepartout are arrested upon arrival in Calcutta for Passepartout's earlier desecration of a pagoda in Bombay. They are brought before Judge Obadiah, who sentences Passepartout to fifteen days' imprisonment and a fine, and Fogg to a week's imprisonment and a fine. Fogg immediately posts bail of one thousand pounds each, securing their release. They proceed to board the steamer Rangoon, while detective Fix, who orchestrated the arrest, follows in frustration.
Chapter 16
XVI
The Rangoon steams from Calcutta to Hong Kong. Aouda grows closer to Fogg, who remains stoic and precise. Fix, secretly aboard, plots to arrest Fogg in Hong Kong and considers using Aouda to create trouble. He reveals himself to Passepartout, who recounts Aouda's rescue.
Chapter 17
Showing what happened on the voyage from Singapore to Hong Kong
On the voyage from Singapore to Hong Kong, Passepartout grows suspicious of Fix's constant presence and concludes he is a spy sent by the Reform Club. Fix, in turn, suspects that Passepartout may have discovered his true identity as a detective. The Rangoon makes a stop at Singapore, where Fogg and Aouda go ashore briefly, and the journey continues with rough weather. Passepartout's impatience grows, while Fogg remains calmly indifferent.
Chapter 18
In which Phileas Fogg, Passepartout, and Fix go each about his business.
The Rangoon encounters a severe storm, delaying its arrival in Hong Kong by twenty-four hours. Despite the setback, Fogg remains calm, while Fix is secretly pleased and Passepartout is furious. Upon arrival, Fogg learns that the Carnatic to Yokohama has been delayed due to boiler repairs, giving him a chance to continue his journey. He also discovers that Aouda's relative Jeejeeh has left Hong Kong, so he decides to take her to Europe with him.
Chapter 19
XIX
In Hong Kong, Passepartout encounters Fix, who reveals he is a detective tracking Phileas Fogg for a bank robbery. Fix tries to enlist Passepartout's help to delay Fogg, but Passepartout refuses. Fix then drugs Passepartout with opium in a den, causing him to miss informing Fogg about the Carnatic's early departure.
Chapter 20
XX
Mr. Fogg, unaware of Passepartout's drugged state, spends the day shopping with Aouda and preparing for their voyage. The next morning, he discovers that the Carnatic sailed early without him and that his servant is missing. Fix approaches, feigning surprise, and informs them of the early departure. Fogg, undeterred, searches the docks and eventually charters the pilot-boat Tankadere from John Bunsby to sail to Shanghai, where he can catch the steamer to Yokohama. Fix, hoping to delay Fogg, reluctantly joins them. Fogg reports Passepartout's disappearance to the police before departing.
Chapter 21
XXI
The Tankadere races against time to reach Shanghai before the Yokohama steamer departs. Despite a storm that slows them, Fogg remains calm. They signal the departing steamer with a distress flag and cannon shot, hoping to be rescued. The chapter also covers Fix's internal conflict about traveling with Fogg and the search for Passepartout.
Chapter 22
XXII
Passepartout wakes up on the Carnatic after being drugged in an opium den, realizes he missed informing Fogg about the changed sailing time, and finds himself alone in Yokohama without money. He explores the city, observing the European and Japanese quarters, but struggles with hunger and his predicament.
Chapter 23
XXIII
Passepartout, stranded and hungry in Japan, sells his European clothes for a Japanese costume and breakfasts. He then seeks passage to America and joins the Honourable Mr. Batulcar's acrobatic troupe as a clown, performing in the 'human pyramid' of the Long Noses. During the performance, he spots Phileas Fogg and Aouda in the audience, abandons his post, and reunites with them. Fogg pays damages to Batulcar, and they all board the American steamer just before departure.
Chapter 24
XXIV
Phileas Fogg, Aouda, and Fix board the General Grant to cross the Pacific from Yokohama to San Francisco. Passepartout reunites with them after his opium-induced absence. Fix, now aboard, reveals his change of strategy to Passepartout, agreeing to help Fogg reach England where the warrant can be executed. Passepartout and Fix form a wary alliance. Aouda's growing affection for Fogg is noted by Passepartout. The journey proceeds smoothly, and Fogg's watch remains on London time, leading to Passepartout's mistaken triumph over timekeeping.
Chapter 25
XXV In which a slight glimpse is had of San Francisco
Phileas Fogg, Aouda, and Passepartout arrive in San Francisco and spend the day exploring the city before their train to New York. They encounter a violent political rally between supporters of Camerfield and Mandiboy, during which Fogg and Fix are attacked. Fix takes a blow meant for Fogg, and Fogg learns the assailant is Colonel Stamp Proctor, vowing to return to America to settle the score. The chapter ends with the party boarding the train.
Chapter 26
XXVI
Phileas Fogg and his party travel across the United States on the Pacific Railroad, from San Francisco to Omaha. The chapter describes the construction and route of the transcontinental railway, the transformation of the car into a dormitory, and the scenic journey through the Sierra Nevada and Nevada. A major delay occurs when a vast herd of buffaloes blocks the track for three hours, forcing the train to stop. Passepartout is frustrated, but Fogg remains patient.
Chapter 27
In which Passepartout undergoes, at a speed of twenty miles an hour, a course of Mormon history.
During the train journey towards the Great Salt Lake, Passepartout attends a lecture by Elder William Hitch on Mormon history, learning about Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and the persecutions faced by the Latter Day Saints. The train passes the Great Salt Lake, and the party visits Salt Lake City. A belated Mormon boards the train, revealing he has only one wife, which he considers enough.
Chapter 28
Chapter XXVIII
The train is stopped by a signal warning that the bridge at Medicine Bow is unsafe. The engineer proposes crossing at full speed, and despite Passepartout's misgivings, the passengers agree. The train races across the crumbling bridge, which collapses just after they pass. Meanwhile, Fix suggests a game of whist to keep Fogg occupied and prevent him from encountering Colonel Proctor.
Chapter 29
XXIX
The train continues across the American plains. Phileas Fogg and Colonel Proctor quarrel over a game of whist and arrange a duel, but the train is attacked by a band of Sioux. During the attack, Passepartout heroically uncouples the engine from the cars, stopping the train near Fort Kearney and saving the passengers.
Chapter 30
In Which Phileas Fogg Simply Does His Duty
After a Sioux attack on the train, Passepartout and two other passengers are taken prisoner. Despite the risk to his wager, Fogg resolves to rescue them, stating 'It is my duty.' He leads a squad of soldiers from Fort Kearney, successfully finds and frees the prisoners, and returns to the fort. However, the train has departed, and the next one will not arrive until evening, jeopardizing Fogg's journey.
Chapter 31
In which Fix, the detective, considerably furthers the interests of Phileas Fogg
Phileas Fogg is twenty hours behind schedule after the Sioux attack. Detective Fix, now cooperating, suggests using a sail-sledge to cross the frozen plains from Fort Kearney to Omaha. Fogg hires Mudge and his sledge, and the party—including Aouda and Passepartout—travels at high speed across the snow. They reach Omaha in time to catch a train to Chicago, then to New York, but upon arrival they find that the Cunard steamer China has already departed three-quarters of an hour earlier.
Chapter 32
In which Phileas Fogg engages in a direct struggle with bad fortune
Phileas Fogg, having missed the China in New York, finds no other steamer can get him to London in time to win his wager. He discovers the Henrietta, a trading vessel bound for Bordeaux, and after Captain Speedy initially refuses to take passengers, Fogg negotiates passage for himself, Aouda, Passepartout, and Fix at a high price. The party boards just before departure.
Chapter 33
In which Phileas Fogg shows himself equal to the occasion
Phileas Fogg takes command of the Henrietta after bribing the crew and imprisoning Captain Speedy, steering the ship toward Liverpool instead of Bordeaux. Despite a storm and dwindling coal, Fogg buys the vessel from Speedy, sails to Queenstown, and takes a train and steamer to Liverpool, only to be arrested by Fix upon arrival.
Chapter 34
In which Phileas Fogg at last reaches London
Phileas Fogg is arrested by Fix upon arriving in Liverpool, but is soon released when the real bank robber is caught. Fogg punches Fix, then rushes to catch a train to London, but arrives five minutes late, losing his wager.
Chapter 35
In which Phileas Fogg does not have to repeat his orders to Passepartout twice
Phileas Fogg returns home to Saville Row after losing his wager, calmly accepting his ruin. He sets his affairs in order, and in the evening, he speaks with Aouda, who offers to marry him. Fogg confesses his love, and they decide to marry the next day. Passepartout is overjoyed and rushes to notify the clergyman.
Chapter 36
In which Phileas Fogg’s name is once more at a premium on ’Change.
The real bank robber, James Strand, is arrested in Edinburgh, clearing Phileas Fogg's name. Public opinion shifts, and Fogg's wager becomes a hot topic again. His five Reform Club friends anxiously await his return by the deadline. As the clock ticks down, they believe he has lost, but at the last second, Fogg appears at the club door.
Chapter 37
In which it is shown that Phileas Fogg gained nothing by his tour around the world, unless it were happiness
Phileas Fogg discovers that he has gained a day by traveling eastward, arriving in London on Saturday instead of Sunday, thus winning his wager. He marries Aouda, divides his remaining money between Passepartout and Fix, and reflects that the true gain of his journey is happiness.
