Around the World in Eighty Days · Chapter
XX explained
Mr.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Determination and Resilience
Fogg's unwavering resolve to continue his journey despite missing the Carnatic and losing his servant, immediately seeking alternative transport.
Order and Method
Fogg's systematic approach to problem-solving: shopping for Aouda, reporting Passepartout's disappearance, and negotiating the charter of the Tankadere.
Characters to notice
- Phileas Fogg
Remains calm and methodical after missing the Carnatic and losing Passepartout; charters the Tankadere to continue his journey.
- Aouda
Accompanies Fogg on his errands and expresses concern for Passepartout's disappearance.
- Fix
Approaches Fogg under false pretenses, hoping to delay him in Hong Kong; reluctantly joins the voyage on the Tankadere.
- Passepartout
Mentioned as missing, still under the influence of opium in the opium den.
- John Bunsby
Master of the Tankadere; agrees to take Fogg to Shanghai for a substantial fee.
Key passages
“It is in the interest of my journey—a part of my programme.”
Fogg explains that his generous purchases for Aouda are simply part of his travel plan.
Reflects Fogg's methodical and detached approach to even personal matters.
“It is an accident, madam; nothing more.”
Fogg dismisses the missed steamer as a minor setback.
Highlights Fogg's characteristic calmness in the face of adversity.
“I could not risk myself, my men, or my little boat of scarcely twenty tons on so long a voyage at this time of year.”
The pilot initially refuses to sail directly to Yokohama due to the distance and season.
Shows the practical dangers of sea travel in the 19th century.