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
The incident with the Sioux has put Fogg twenty hours behind schedule. An American man named Mudge had offered to take Detective Fix on his sledge the night before, and he had refused, but Fix now suggests that they take Mudge up on the offer with the goal of gaining eight hours. The sledge, which is rigged with sails, is used to cross the frozen plains during the winter. Fogg offers Mudge a hefty reward if he can get them to Omaha in a timely manner, and Mudge accepts.
Fogg has been put significantly behind schedule, and his willingness to take this dangerous, uncomfortable sledge to Omaha shows just how dedicated he is to regaining control over his situation. Like using an elephant to traverse the jungle in India, this passage demonstrates that sometimes antiquated modes of transport can be more reliable than modern technology.
Themes
Since the journey will be extremely cold and arduous, Fogg suggests that Passepartout and Aouda should stay behind in Fort Kearny and find a more comfortable way to get back to Europe. They both refuse to separate from him, which causes Fix to doubt his harsh judgment of Fogg as a criminal. Still, he resolves to fulfill his duty of getting Fogg back to England as quickly as possible in order to arrest him.
The dangerous incident with the Sioux has clearly brought Fogg, Passepartout, and Aouda even closer together. Fix’s resolution to arrest Fogg even in spite of witnessing this affection, along with Fogg’s upright morals through the journey, shows that a deep-seated sense of duty can easily supersede emotions.
Themes
Fogg, Passepartout, Aouda, and Fix endure the bitterly cold journey to Omaha. They arrive at the station just in time to catch the train for Chicago, and pass through the Midwest and into New York. When they arrive at the pier, however, they learn that the China steamer bound for Liverpool left forty-five minutes before.
The fact that Fogg and his companions miss the steamer despite their elaborate efforts demonstrates the futility of trying to cheat time. Unexpected circumstances happen regardless of their plans, and modern transportation is ultimately less reliable than they bargained for.
Themes
