Around the World in 80 Days is a classic adventure novel written by Jules Verne, published in 1872. The story revolves around Phileas Fogg, a meticulous and enigmatic English gentleman, and his French servant Passepartout. Fogg accepts a wager with the members of his London club, claiming that he can circumnavigate the globe in 80 days, a feat considered impossible at the time.
Phileas Fogg, accompanied by Passepartout, his confidant and butler, sets out on his journey from London to circumnavigate the globe. Throughout his journey he uses various means of transport of the time:
Train
- London to Suez: Phileas Fogg and Passepartout’s journey begins.
- Bombay to Calcutta: They discover that the railway is not complete, facing their first major obstacle.
Steamship
- Suez to Bombay (Mongolia): They cross the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.
- Calcutta to Hong Kong (Rangoon): They travel with Aouda; Detective Fix follows them.
- Hong Kong to Yokohama: Passepartout separates from the group and boards a different ship.
- Yokohama to San Francisco (Carnatic): They cross the Pacific Ocean.
- New York to London: Fogg charters a small boat to cross the Atlantic after missing the scheduled boat in New York.
Elephant
- Part of the way to Calcutta: Fogg buys an elephant to overcome railway disruption; Aouda is rescued.
Railway
- San Francisco to New York: They travel across America facing various challenges, including a Sioux Indian attack.
Balloon
- Important note: Although a balloon ride is popularly associated with this novel, due to cultural adaptations and representations, in Verne’s original book, a balloon is not actually used as a means of transportation.
Carriage
- Liverpool to London: They use this mode of transport for the last leg of their journey, after Fogg is released in Liverpool.
Phileas Fogg arrives in London believing it is 22 December and that he has lost a bet by a day. Devastated, he retreats to his home. However, reflecting on his defeat, Fogg realises that by travelling east he has gained a day due to the time difference, something he had not taken into account. In fact, it is only 21 December. With this discovery, Fogg rushes to the Reform Club, where he arrives just in time to win the bet.
Solving the Aouda conspiracy:
During his travels, Fogg develops a relationship with Aouda, a young Indian woman he rescued while travelling through India. He eventually proposes to her and she accepts, so eventually Fogg wins the bet and marries her.
