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Chapter 13
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 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
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
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.
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
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