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Around the World in Eighty Days · Chapter

IX explained

The Mongolia steams across the Red Sea and Indian Ocean toward Bombay, arriving two days early.

What happens

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.

Themes in this chapter

  • Time and Punctuality

    Fogg's precise itinerary and the two-day gain highlight the theme of punctuality and schedule.

  • Adventure and Exploration

    Passepartout's wonder at Aden and the exotic locales underscores the adventure of travel.

  • Cultural Encounter and Imperialism

    The diverse population of Aden and the British presence in India reflect cultural encounters and imperial context.

Characters to notice

Key passages

  • “The Mongolia was due at Bombay on the 22nd; she arrived on the 20th. This was a gain to Phileas Fogg of two days since his departure from London, and he calmly entered the fact in the itinerary, in the column of gains.”

    The Mongolia reached Bombay two days early, and Fogg calmly recorded this gain in his schedule.

    Highlights Fogg's methodical nature and the theme of time.

  • “Always the same impassible member of the Reform Club, whom no incident could surprise, as unvarying as the ship’s chronometers, and seldom having the curiosity even to go upon the deck, he passed through the memorable scenes of the Red Sea with cold indifference.”

    Fogg remained utterly unflappable, showing no interest in the famous sights of the Red Sea.

    Emphasizes Fogg's stoic and single-minded character.

  • “Passepartout was ravished to behold this celebrated place, and thought that, with its circular walls and dismantled fort, it looked like an immense coffee-cup and saucer.”

    Passepartout was delighted by Mocha, comparing its appearance to a giant coffee cup and saucer.

    Shows Passepartout's imaginative and playful perspective.

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Around the World in Eighty Days — IX Explained