Around the World in Eighty Days · Chapter
XXIII explained
Passepartout, stranded and hungry in Japan, sells his European clothes for a Japanese costume and breakfasts.
What happens
Passepartout, stranded and hungry in Japan, sells his European clothes for a Japanese costume and breakfasts. He then seeks passage to America and joins the Honourable Mr. Batulcar's acrobatic troupe as a clown, performing in the 'human pyramid' of the Long Noses. During the performance, he spots Phileas Fogg and Aouda in the audience, abandons his post, and reunites with them. Fogg pays damages to Batulcar, and they all board the American steamer just before departure.
Themes in this chapter
Determination and Resilience
Passepartout's resourcefulness in finding work and rejoining Fogg despite being stranded and hungry.
Cultural Encounter and Imperialism
Passepartout's adoption of Japanese dress and his engagement with a Japanese theatrical troupe, highlighting cross-cultural interactions.
Characters to notice
- Passepartout
Stranded in Japan, sells his clothes, joins Batulcar's troupe as a clown, and reunites with Fogg during the performance.
- Phileas Fogg
Arrives at the theatre with Aouda, recognizes Passepartout, pays damages to Batulcar, and boards the steamer.
- Aouda
Accompanies Fogg to the theatre and boards the steamer with him.
- Mr. Batulcar
Proprietor of the acrobatic troupe; hires Passepartout as a clown and later receives compensation from Fogg for the disrupted performance.
Key passages
“A servant, sir?” asked Passepartout. “A servant!” cried Mr. Batulcar, caressing the thick grey beard which hung from his chin. “I already have two who are obedient and faithful, have never left me, and serve me for their nourishment and here they are,” added he, holding out his two robust arms, furrowed with veins as large as the strings of a bass-viol.”
Passepartout asks if Batulcar needs a servant, but Batulcar declines, showing off his strong arms as his only servants.
Passepartout's attempt to find employment is humorously rejected by Batulcar.
“It was Passepartout’s fault. Abandoning his position, clearing the footlights without the aid of his wings, and, clambering up to the right-hand gallery, he fell at the feet of one of the spectators, crying, “Ah, my master! my master!””
Passepartout leaves his role in the pyramid and rushes to the gallery, reuniting with Fogg.
Passepartout's impulsive reunion with Fogg causes the collapse of the human pyramid.