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
As the train passes through Utah, a Mormon missionary named Elder William Hitch advertises a lecture that he will be delivering shortly in one of the train cars. Passepartout decides to attend, and Elder Hitch tells the small crowd about the history of Mormonism and how the United States government has been oppressing the religion. Everyone but Passepartout gradually loses interest and leaves. Despite his interest, Passepartout refuses to be converted by Hitch.
Elder Hitch’s lecture shows that, although Mormons are a religious rather than a racial minority in the United States, they still face government oppression as the country expands its territory. Violence against the group was common in the during this time, with three “Mormon Wars” fought during the 19th century.
Themes
