Around the World in Eighty Days

by

Jules Verne

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Around the World in Eighty Days: Chapter 14 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
As Kiouni carries the men and Aouda through the forest, Sir Francis tells Fogg that Aouda must leave India forever in order to escape her executioners. When they reach the Allahabad train station, Aouda slowly begins to regain consciousness, and her striking physical beauty becomes evident. Her upbringing in British India has clearly made an impact on her, as her speech and mannerisms are European.
Aouda’s character is an example of Verne’s more favorable views toward the British Empire. She is fair-skinned and English in her mannerisms, which is linked to her attractiveness as a woman; Verne seems to be suggesting here that European beauty is the superior standard.
Themes
Imperialism Theme Icon
As the train is about to leave Allahabad, Fogg pays the guide and gives him Kiouni as a gesture of gratitude. On the train to Benares, Aouda fully recovers and is grateful when Sir Francis tells her about how they saved her. She accepts Fogg’s offer to escort her to Hong Kong, where she has a relative. When the train stops in Benares, Sir Francis says goodbye to his companions and disembarks to rejoin his troops.
Though Fogg is generally cold and closed off from other people, it is clear from his generosity that he has formed a friendship with the guide and is deeply grateful for his help. This moment demonstrates the value of embracing new experiences in order to connect meaningfully with other people.
Themes
Chance, Adventure, and Human Connection Theme Icon
The train leaves Benares and passes along the Ganges River, which has a diverse landscape of mountains, farmland, jungles, villages, and forests. The narration poses the question of what the ancient deities to whom the Brahmins pray would think of this modern, anglicized India with its steamships and trains.
As in Chapter 10, the narration points out the influence that Western industrialization has had on India. Here, Verne acknowledges that it has, at the very least, been detrimental to nature and traditional culture.
Themes
Imperialism Theme Icon
Quotes
Fogg, Passepartout, and Aouda arrive in Calcutta on October 25th, neither behind nor ahead of schedule. Although they have lost the two days they gained between London and Bombay, Fogg does not regret their prolonged journey across India.
While Fogg is obsessed with staying on schedule, it is clear that the relationships he formed with Sir Francis, Aouda, and the guide are even more important to him.
Themes
Modernity, Time, and Control Theme Icon
Chance, Adventure, and Human Connection Theme Icon
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