Around the World in Eighty Days · Chapter
In which Phileas Fogg engages in a direct struggle with bad fortune explained
Phileas Fogg, having missed the China in New York, finds no other steamer can get him to London in time to win his wager.
What happens
Phileas Fogg, having missed the China in New York, finds no other steamer can get him to London in time to win his wager. He discovers the Henrietta, a trading vessel bound for Bordeaux, and after Captain Speedy initially refuses to take passengers, Fogg negotiates passage for himself, Aouda, Passepartout, and Fix at a high price. The party boards just before departure.
Themes in this chapter
Determination and Resilience
Fogg persists despite missing the China and facing repeated refusals, ultimately securing passage on the Henrietta.
Technology and Progress
The chapter contrasts steamers and sailing vessels, highlighting the importance of steamship speed for Fogg's journey.
Characters to notice
- Phileas Fogg
Remains calm and determined after missing the China; negotiates passage on the Henrietta with Captain Speedy.
- Passepartout
Overwhelmed with guilt for causing the delay; follows Fogg's instructions and boards the Henrietta.
- Aouda
Agitated and unable to rest during the night; accompanies Fogg to the Henrietta.
- Fix
Travels with the party; reflects on the financial cost of the journey.
- Captain Speedy
Initially refuses to carry passengers but agrees to take Fogg and his party for two thousand dollars each.
Key passages
“The China, in leaving, seemed to have carried off Phileas Fogg’s last hope.”
The departure of the China took away Fogg's final chance.
Emphasizes the critical loss of the steamer.
“Money is no object? None.”
The captain refuses Fogg's offer regardless of the price.
Shows that money cannot always solve problems.
“Up to this time money had smoothed away every obstacle. Now money failed.”
Until now, money had removed all barriers, but it no longer worked.
Highlights a turning point where wealth is insufficient.