# Chapter XXVIII explained — Around the World in Eighty Days

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

## What happens

The train is stopped by a signal warning that the bridge at Medicine Bow is unsafe. The engineer proposes crossing at full speed, and despite Passepartout's misgivings, the passengers agree. The train races across the crumbling bridge, which collapses just after they pass. Meanwhile, Fix suggests a game of whist to keep Fogg occupied and prevent him from encountering Colonel Proctor.

## Themes in this chapter

### Determination and Resilience

The passengers and crew resolve to cross the dangerous bridge at high speed, demonstrating a collective will to overcome obstacles.

### Adventure and Exploration

The train's perilous crossing of the Medicine Bow bridge and the journey through the Rocky Mountains highlight the adventurous spirit of the transcontinental voyage.

### Cultural Encounter and Imperialism

Passepartout's internal conflict between French caution and American bravado underscores cultural differences and the pressure to assimilate.

## Character check-ins

### Phileas Fogg

Plays whist with Aouda and Fix, remaining absorbed in the game and unaware of the bridge crisis.

### Passepartout

Learns of the unsafe bridge, tries to suggest a safer alternative, but ultimately goes along with the risky plan to prove French courage.

### Fix

Proposes the whist game to keep Fogg in the car and avoid a confrontation with Colonel Proctor; reveals his determination to get Fogg back to Europe alive.

### Aouda

Joins the whist game, demonstrating her English education and earning compliments from Fogg.

### Colonel Stamp Proctor

Insolently advocates for crossing the bridge at full speed, mocking Passepartout's caution.

## Key lines

> I would do anything to get him back living to Europe!

Fix is determined to ensure Fogg returns alive to Europe, even if it means fighting.

_Fix reveals his true motive to Passepartout, showing his commitment to the wager's outcome._

> I think that by putting on the very highest speed we might have a chance of getting over.

The engineer believes that maximum speed could allow the train to cross the unsafe bridge.

_The engineer's risky proposal sets the stage for the dramatic bridge crossing._

> I will show these people that a Frenchman can be as American as they!

Passepartout decides to prove French bravery by embracing the American daredevil plan.

_Passepartout's pride overcomes his caution, leading him to support the dangerous crossing._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/around_the_world_in_eighty_days_se/chapters/xxviii
- 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