# In which Phileas Fogg engages in a direct struggle with bad fortune explained — Around the World in Eighty Days

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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