Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Around the World in Eighty Days, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Modernity, Time, and Control
Imperialism
Chance, Adventure, and Human Connection
Honor, Reputation, and Duty
Summary
Analysis
Fogg, Passepartout, and Sir Francis are jostled by the rough ride on Kiouni. The territory that the guide is leading them through has not been completely taken over by England, and the landscape becomes increasingly “savage.” After spending the night in an abandoned bungalow, the four men and the elephant continue on until Kiouni suddenly stops. The guide warns them that a procession of Brahmins is approaching and instructs them to hide.
In this passage, Verne’s mixed views of imperialism become evident. By referring to the jungle as “savage” and portraying the Brahmins as a threatening presence, he implies that the westernized parts of India are superior to the areas that have maintained their native characteristics.
Themes
From their vantage point, the men see the Brahmins leading a young, fair woman adorned with gems. The guards that follow her are armed with sabers and are carrying the corpse of a rajah clad in extravagant clothing and jewelry.
The contrast between Western and Indian culture is clear, as even Sir Francis (who lives in India) hides and watches the procession in wonder.
Themes
Sir Francis explains that this is a suttee, a voluntary human sacrifice, and that the young woman will be burned alive at dawn tomorrow because the rajah of Bundelcund, her husband, has died. The guide tells them that this situation is well-known to the locals and that the sacrifice is not, in fact, voluntary—the young woman has been drugged with hemp and opium to prevent her from resisting. To Passepartout’s surprise, Fogg suggests that they take the time to save her.
Verne’s treatment of the suttee could be interpreted as a subtle justification for British imperialism, since Western readers are likely to oppose this Hindu practice as cruel and barbaric. Fogg wants to sacrifice his precious time in order to rescue this young woman, implying that he is opening up to empathy and human connection.
Themes
