Around the World in Eighty Days · Chapter
VII explained
Detective Fix, convinced that Phileas Fogg is the bank robber, tries to prevent the consul from visaing Fogg's passport at Suez.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Time and Punctuality
Fogg meticulously records his travel times in his notebook, demonstrating his obsession with punctuality and schedule.
Order and Method
Fogg's methodical approach to his journey is highlighted through his detailed itinerary and systematic record-keeping.
Justice and Mistaken Identity
Fix's mistaken belief that Fogg is the bank robber drives the tension, as he tries to obstruct Fogg's travel.
Characters to notice
- Fix
Fix meets with the consul to discuss his suspicions about Fogg and observes Fogg at the consulate.
- Phileas Fogg
Fogg arrives at the consulate to have his passport visaed and later records his journey in his notebook.
- Passepartout
Passepartout accompanies Fogg to the consulate and is later sought out by Fix for questioning.
Key passages
“Passports are only good for annoying honest folks, and aiding in the flight of rogues.”
Passports serve only to inconvenience law-abiding citizens while helping criminals escape.
Fix expresses his cynical view of passport regulations.
“I wish to prove, by your visa, that I came by Suez.”
I want your visa as evidence that I passed through Suez.
Fogg explains his reason for seeking the visa, emphasizing his need for proof of his route.