Around the World in Eighty Days · Chapter
In which Phileas Fogg and his companions venture across the indian forests, and what ensued. explained
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.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Determination and Resilience
Fogg and his companions endure the harsh journey through the forest with stoic resolve, and Fogg decides to use his time to attempt a rescue.
Cultural Encounter and Imperialism
The chapter depicts a direct encounter with Hindu religious practices (sati) and highlights the tension between British colonial authority and local customs.
Characters to notice
- Phileas Fogg
Endures the jostling of the elephant with British phlegm; sleeps peacefully; decides to save the widow from sati.
- Passepartout
Rides on the elephant's back, bouncing and laughing; feeds sugar to Kiouni; expresses indignation at the sati.
- Sir Francis Cromarty
Travels in the howdah; explains the sati ritual to Fogg; sleeps heavily.
- The Parsee
Acts as guide; navigates the forest; warns the party about the procession; confirms the involuntary nature of the sacrifice.
- Kiouni
The elephant used for travel; rests and feeds; becomes restless before the procession.
Key passages
“Suppose we save this woman.”
Fogg proposes that they rescue the widow from the sacrificial ceremony.
Fogg's decision to intervene marks a turning point in the journey, showing his willingness to act on moral grounds.
“I have yet twelve hours to spare; I can devote them to that.”
Fogg calculates that he has a twelve-hour buffer in his schedule and chooses to use it for the rescue.
Highlights Fogg's methodical nature and his prioritization of human life over strict adherence to his timetable.