Around the World in Eighty Days · Chapter
XXI explained
The Tankadere races against time to reach Shanghai before the Yokohama steamer departs.
What happens
The Tankadere races against time to reach Shanghai before the Yokohama steamer departs. Despite a storm that slows them, Fogg remains calm. They signal the departing steamer with a distress flag and cannon shot, hoping to be rescued. The chapter also covers Fix's internal conflict about traveling with Fogg and the search for Passepartout.
Themes in this chapter
Determination and Resilience
Fogg's calm persistence and the crew's desperate efforts to reach Shanghai despite the storm highlight their unwavering resolve.
Adventure and Exploration
The risky voyage on a small boat through treacherous seas embodies the adventurous spirit of the journey.
Time and Punctuality
The entire chapter revolves around the race against the clock to catch the steamer, emphasizing the critical importance of timing.
Characters to notice
- Phileas Fogg
Remains tranquil and decisive, ordering the distress signal to catch the steamer.
- Aouda
Travels with Fogg, affected by the rough sea but eats with appetite; regrets Passepartout's absence.
- Fix
Accepts Fogg's hospitality reluctantly, broods over his mission, and worries about Passepartout reuniting with Fogg.
- John Bunsby
Pilot of the Tankadere, anxious about the reward but skillfully navigates the storm and signals the steamer.
- Passepartout
Mentioned as missing; Fogg and Aouda hope he may have boarded the Carnatic for Yokohama.
Key passages
“Signal her!”
Fogg calmly orders the pilot to signal the departing steamer.
Demonstrates Fogg's composed leadership under pressure.
“This enters into my general expenses.”
Fogg refuses Fix's offer to pay for his passage, treating it as part of his overall travel costs.
Highlights Fogg's methodical and generous nature.
“Glad it’s a typhoon from the south, for it will carry us forward.”
Fogg views the approaching typhoon as an opportunity to gain speed rather than a threat.
Illustrates Fogg's optimistic and strategic thinking.