# In Which the Arctic Regions Are Sold at Auction to the Highest Bidder explained — Topsy-Turvy

> Chapter companion for Topsy-Turvy by Jules Verne.

## What happens

The North Polar Practical Association (N.P.P.A.) auctions the Arctic regions (everything within the 84th parallel) in a Baltimore auction hall. Bidding starts at 10 cents per square mile and escalates among European delegates representing Denmark, Sweden-Norway, Russia, and Holland. Major Donellan bids for Great Britain, eventually reaching 199 cents. William S. Forster, representing the N.P.P.A., quietly bids 200 cents, winning the region for $814,000 and defeating the British bid.

## Themes in this chapter

### Imperialism and National Rivalry

The auction pits the United States against European powers, especially Great Britain, with national pride and territorial ambition at stake.

### Capitalism and Speculation

The sale of the Arctic as real estate, with bidding per square mile and widespread betting, highlights speculative capitalism.

### Secrecy and Public Anxiety

The N.P.P.A.'s motives remain hidden, fueling public excitement and unease about the true value of the Arctic region.

## Character check-ins

### J. T. Maston

Observes the auction intently, exchanging nods with Mrs. Scorbitt, visibly anxious during the bidding.

### Mrs. Evangelina Scorbitt

Present in the auction hall, her anxious face shows suppressed emotion as she watches the bidding.

### Major Donellan

Represents Great Britain, bids aggressively up to 199 cents, but is ultimately outbid by Forster and collapses in defeat.

### William S. Forster

Represents the N.P.P.A., appears absorbed in a newspaper, bids calmly and wins the Arctic regions at 200 cents per square mile.

### Dean Toodrink

Secretary to Major Donellan, posts betting notices and is visibly distressed as the bidding concludes.

### Andrew R. Gilmour

The auctioneer, conducts the sale with dramatic flair, describing the lot and managing the crowd.

## Key lines

> Why was this sale on the 3rd of December going to be held in the regular auction hall, where usually only such objects as furniture, utensils, tools, instruments, etc., or art pieces, pictures, medals, and antique objects were sold?

The narrator questions why the Arctic regions are being auctioned like ordinary goods rather than through a real estate court.

_Highlights the unusual nature of the sale and the N.P.P.A.'s unconventional approach._

> One hundred and ninety-nine cents,” roared the delegate of Great Britain. With this he crossed his arms and seemed to defy the United States of America.

Major Donellan bids 199 cents per square mile, then crosses his arms in a defiant gesture toward the American bidder.

_Captures the climax of the bidding war and the intense national rivalry._

> Two hundred cents!” A long shudder went through the hall. Then the American backers began to make such a noise that the very windows trembled.

Forster's final bid of 200 cents triggers a wave of shock and then triumphant cheering from the American supporters.

_Illustrates the dramatic turning point and the emotional release of the crowd._

## Links

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