Around the World in Eighty Days Summary & Key Insights

Jules Verne's Around the World in Eighty Days follows Phileas Fogg, an impeccably punctual and wealthy English gentleman, who makes a seemingly audacious wager at the Reform Club in London. He bets his fellow members £20,000 that he can circumnavigate the globe in eighty days or less. Accompanied by his newly hired, somewhat bumbling, French valet Passepartout, Fogg embarks on his ambitious journey.

The novel unfolds as a thrilling race against time. Their journey takes them across continents and oceans, utilizing various modes of transport – steamships, trains, elephants, and even a sled – each leg presenting its own unique challenges. They face numerous obstacles, including missed connections, bureaucratic hurdles, and even a near-miss with being arrested for robbery in India. In India, they encounter Aouda, a young Indian princess being forced into an unwanted marriage, whom Fogg rescues and takes along on his journey.

A pivotal plot point involves a detective, Fix, who wrongly suspects Fogg of robbing the Bank of England. Fix follows Fogg throughout his travels, attempting to arrest him at every opportunity, unknowingly hindering Fogg’s progress but simultaneously inadvertently aiding him in several instances. This pursuit adds a layer of suspense and intrigue to the already fast-paced narrative.

Throughout their adventures, Fogg remains remarkably calm and collected, displaying an unwavering determination and meticulous planning that allows him to overcome obstacles. Passepartout, on the other hand, is more prone to panic and impulsive actions, providing a comedic counterpoint to Fogg's stoicism. Aouda's presence adds a romantic element, and her gratitude and eventual affection for Fogg highlights the kindness and compassion beneath his reserved exterior.

The race culminates in a nail-biting finish back in London. A seemingly insurmountable delay caused by a missed train connection in England threatens to cost Fogg the wager. However, through a fortuitous change in the international date line and unexpected timing, he arrives back in London just in the nick of time, winning the bet and proving the feasibility of his ambitious plan. The novel concludes with Fogg’s quiet marriage to Aouda, revealing a softer side to the seemingly emotionless gentleman.

Overarching themes in the novel include the triumph of human ingenuity and determination, the impact of technology on global travel, and the exploration of different cultures and geographical landscapes. It celebrates the power of meticulous planning and precise execution while simultaneously highlighting the unpredictable nature of life and travel. The novel also subtly examines themes of colonialism and imperialism, evident in the portrayal of various societies and the interactions between Fogg and the people he encounters.