# XXIX explained — Around the World in Eighty Days

> Chapter companion for Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne.

## What happens

The train continues across the American plains. Phileas Fogg and Colonel Proctor quarrel over a game of whist and arrange a duel, but the train is attacked by a band of Sioux. During the attack, Passepartout heroically uncouples the engine from the cars, stopping the train near Fort Kearney and saving the passengers.

## Themes in this chapter

### Determination and Resilience

Fogg insists on continuing his journey despite the duel and the attack; Passepartout's daring act to uncouple the engine shows extraordinary resolve.

### Adventure and Exploration

The chapter vividly describes the crossing of the American plains, the high elevation at Evans Pass, and the dangers of the frontier, including a Sioux attack.

### Technology and Progress

The railroad is celebrated as a 'mighty instrument of progress and civilisation,' and the chapter details the operation of the train and the uncoupling mechanism.

## Character check-ins

### Phileas Fogg

Remains calm during the duel arrangement and the Sioux attack; prepares to stop the train himself but is forestalled by Passepartout.

### Passepartout

Wishes to throw Colonel Proctor out of the window but obeys his master; later crawls under the cars to detach the engine, saving the train.

### Fix

Attempts to take the quarrel with Proctor upon himself; serves as Fogg's second for the duel.

### Aouda

Tries to retain Mr. Fogg from the duel; defends herself courageously with a revolver during the Sioux attack.

### Colonel Stamp Proctor

Insults Fogg over a whist play and challenges him to a duel; later joins Fogg in rushing to defend the train when the Sioux attack.

## Key lines

> The train, now detached from the engine, remained a little behind, whilst the locomotive rushed forward with increased speed.

Passepartout succeeded in separating the passenger cars from the locomotive, which sped ahead alone.

_Describes the critical moment when Passepartout uncouples the engine, stopping the train and saving the passengers._

> Thus was celebrated the inauguration of this great railroad, a mighty instrument of progress and civilisation, thrown across the desert, and destined to link together cities and towns which do not yet exist.

The opening of the Union Pacific Railroad was hailed as a powerful force for progress, connecting future settlements across the wilderness.

_Reflects the theme of technology and progress, highlighting the railroad's transformative role._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/around_the_world_in_eighty_days_se/chapters/xxix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/around_the_world_in_eighty_days_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/around_the_world_in_eighty_days_se/chapters