Around the World in Eighty Days

In Chapters 21-30, tension escalates between the protagonist and antagonist. As the departure of the group from British territories approaches, Phileas becomes increasingly daring. In parallel, Detective Fix becomes increasingly desperate to delay Phileas and obtain a warrant for his arrest. Both characters display a single-minded purpose that highlights the stereotypical and symbolic characterization the author favors in his novels.

Despite the symbolic, flat characterization of Phileas, Fix begins to demonstrate the influence of the protagonist’s Victorian principles and ideals as he witnesses Phileas’s generosity and bravery firsthand. He slowly develops a regard for Phileas that begins a subtle redemption arc. The antagonist demonstrates the early stages of this arc when he attempts to repay Phileas for paying his passage on the Tankadere. Uncomfortable with the dishonor this represents on top of his active sabotage, Fix begins a transition away from the role of antagonist just as Phileas and his companions begin to encounter greater challenges from their more dangerous and less predictable adversary—nature.

In comparison to Fix, the other characters remain fairly consistent in their roles. Phileas faces his intensifying obstacles, diminishing finances, and approaching deadline with the same steady resolution and commitment to his itinerary. Aouda’s regard for Phileas grows, and she remains steadfast at his side; Verne continues to portray her conformity and submissiveness as virtues, playing into the theme of Imperialism, Colonization, and Period Typical Racism. In Chapters 22-24, Passepartout continues to provide comic relief even as the deadline to complete the journey approaches and narrative tension mounts.

The main characters’ general consistency, which sustains their contrast, helps further develop the theme of The Juxtaposition of Art and Science, especially with the chapters starring Passepartout. In Chapter 22, the valet barely boards the Carnatic before realizing that Phileas and Aouda were unaware of the change in departure. In Chapter 23, he arrives in Japan, and the narrator shifts largely to his perspective. Now destitute and alone, the valet trades his clothes for more Japanese-style clothing and a local meal. In a return to his previous vagabond lifestyle, he begins searching for work and passage to the United States. Chapter 24 reunites the protagonist and his foil as Passepartout, having joined a circus, causes the collapse of a human pyramid in his hurry to prostrate himself at the feet of his master. In this episode, Passepartout is left to his own devices. To an extent, his farcical adventure demonstrates his resourcefulness, curiosity, and good nature. However, unchecked by any commitment to planning or organization, he makes poor choices with his limited funds and chases the less practical—if more entertaining—opportunity in attempting to rescue himself. Whereas the novel up to this point has emphasized the sciences, this episode allows Passepartout to indulge in culture and aesthetics. His eagerness to be reunited with Phileas suggests the importance of collaboration between these sides of a binary.

Fix’s redemption arc continues, marked by the comical comeuppance of Passepartout’s beating, and Passepartout’s subsequent decision to remain silent adds to the tension during the climax and resolution of the novel. After the fight, the valet accepts Fix’s word that he will no longer sabotage Phileas since their goals now align, both characters seeking a quick return to London. Notably, Fix does not deny that he will arrest Phileas on returning to the city. His motivations have transitioned away from receiving the reward for the burglar’s capture and toward a growing sense of honor and duty. Fix’s honest regard and apology, as well as his determination to do his duty, will ultimately earn even Phileas’s respect, prompting the protagonist to forgive him for his final transgression at the end of the novel.

The conflict of nature versus man and technology continues to serve the plot and build tension in these chapters. The group reaches San Francisco by a Pacific Mail steamer only after a significant delay due to weather. The group also encounters natural obstacles such as a herd of buffalo and, in another instance of period-typical racism, a band of Sioux. These challenges represent the power of nature despite the advances in technology. Though technology now allows vast and swift travel, to the point of the possibility of circumnavigation, nature remains an undeniable force. Despite the progress made during this era, Phileas is aware of the limitations of technology. The narrative highlights this awareness as the group encounters each unexpected obstacle. The emphasis on the mode of travel as well as the delays and progression of time, in turn, are aesthetic and symbolic repetitions that continue developing the themes of Punctuality, Time, and Time Management and the juxtaposition of art and science.

On arriving in San Francisco, the narrator and Passepartout establish parallels between England and the United States as commercial and cultural hubs. Instead of highlighting British influence on the development of civilization and culture, the following chapters provide a comparison and contrast between British and American culture. In San Francisco, Phileas encounters Colonel Proctor. The American colonel attacks Fix and challenges Phileas in a demonstration of impulsive and aggressive behavior; this display contrasts with Phileas’s cool detachment, which reflects the distinctive refinement valued by the British. Phileas later accepts Proctor’s challenge to a duel aboard the Pacific Railroad when the man challenges the protagonist’s honor, demonstrating a reliance on order and rules for engagement that reinforce the distinctions between the British and American cultures.

Chapter 30 forces Phileas to face another moral dilemma: demonstrate his honor and integrity by attempting to save his valet or pursue his effort to complete his voyage on time. Again, though the protagonist fears that a rescue attempt will make winning the wager impossible, he quickly and stoically resolves to attempt the rescue. This moment serves as another demonstration of the protagonist’s characterization as a symbol of Victorian ideals per the theme of Victorian Honor, Integrity, and Ideals. Phileas’s courage inspires assistance, however, and he successfully rescues his manservant and earns the regard of the American soldiers. The rescue also acts as an obvious display of the protagonist’s growing regard for the Frenchman. Whereas Phileas had earlier remarked to Sir Comarty that his valet was hardly necessary to his success, Phileas is now willing to risk his own life to reward Passepartout for his loyal service throughout the narrative.