Around the World in Eighty Days is a classic adventure novel by Jules Verne. It tells the story of Phileas Fogg, a wealthy English gentleman who bets 20,000 pounds that he can travel around the world in 80 days. He is accompanied by his French valet, Passepartout, who is loyal but often gets into trouble. Along the way, they face many challenges and obstacles, such as storms, bandits, rescuing a princess, and being pursued by a detective who thinks Fogg is a bank robber. They also encounter different cultures and modes of transportation, such as trains, steamboats, elephants, and sledges. The novel is full of suspense, humor, and exotic descriptions.
Here are some important points of the novel:
- The novel is set in 1872, when the world was undergoing rapid changes due to industrialization and colonization. Verne was fascinated by science and technology, and he used his imagination to create realistic scenarios based on the latest inventions and discoveries of his time.
- The novel is divided into 37 chapters, each corresponding to one day of the journey. The chapters are numbered with Roman numerals and have titles that summarize the main events of each day. The novel also has a map that shows the route of Fogg and Passepartout around the world.
- The novel is a satire of the British Empire and its obsession with punctuality and order. Fogg represents the typical Englishman who is calm, rational, and reserved. He follows a strict routine and never shows any emotion or curiosity. He treats his journey as a mathematical problem that can be solved with precise calculations and money. Passepartout represents the opposite: he is lively, emotional, and curious. He enjoys exploring new places and cultures and often gets into trouble because of his impulsiveness and naivety.
- The novel is also a critique of the social inequalities and injustices of the 19th century. Fogg and Passepartout encounter various examples of oppression, exploitation, and violence in their travels, such as slavery in America, caste system in India, opium trade in China, and Mormon polygamy in Utah. They also witness the effects of colonialism and imperialism on the native peoples and their cultures. Fogg and Passepartout often intervene to help those who are suffering or in danger, such as saving an Indian princess from being burned alive or fighting against Sioux warriors who attack a train.
- The novel is a celebration of human diversity and adventure. Fogg and Passepartout meet many interesting characters and experience many thrilling situations in their journey. They also learn from each other and grow as individuals. Fogg becomes more compassionate and generous, while Passepartout becomes more responsible and courageous. They also develop a strong friendship and loyalty that transcends their cultural differences.
To illustrate the story with images, I have created some graphic artworks based on some scenes from the novel. I hope you like them.
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