# IX explained — Around the World in Eighty Days

> Chapter companion for Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### Phileas Fogg

Remains impassive, plays whist, and notes the two-day gain in his itinerary.

### Passepartout

Enjoys the voyage, befriends Fix, and explores Aden.

### Fix

Secretly follows Fogg, befriends Passepartout, and inquires about Fogg's mission.

### Aouda

Not present in this chapter.

### Sir Francis Cromarty

Not present in this chapter.

### Andrew Stuart

Not present in this chapter.

### Gauthier Ralph

Not present in this chapter.

### John Sullivan

Not present in this chapter.

### Samuel Fallentin

Not present in this chapter.

### Thomas Flanagan

Not present in this chapter.

### Colonel Stamp Proctor

Not present in this chapter.

### John Bunsby

Not present in this chapter.

### Captain Speedy

Not present in this chapter.

### Mudge

Not present in this chapter.

### Elder William Hitch

Not present in this chapter.

### Judge Obadiah

Not present in this chapter.

### James Forster

Not present in this chapter.

### Mr. Batulcar

Not present in this chapter.

### Jeejeeh

Not present in this chapter.

### Brigham Young

Not present in this chapter.

### Lord Albemarle

Not present in this chapter.

### The Parsee

Not present in this chapter.

### Kiouni

Not present in this chapter.

## Key lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/around_the_world_in_eighty_days_se/chapters/ix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/around_the_world_in_eighty_days_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/around_the_world_in_eighty_days_se/chapters