Around the World in Eighty Days

by

Jules Verne

Around the World in Eighty Days: Chapter 16 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Detective Fix follows Fogg, Passepartout, and Aouda onto the Rangoon in hopes of arresting Fogg in Hong Kong—the last English territory that Fogg will visit on his journey before returning to London. Throughout the ship ride, Aouda and Fogg become better acquainted. She is deeply grateful for his help, and he sits with her and provides comforts for her despite his cold, machinelike demeanor.
It is clear that Fogg cares for Aouda despite his cold demeanor. Fix believes that Fogg is a criminal, but Aouda judges Fogg on his actions rather than his reputation—their genuine connection and his protection of her is what makes him honorable in her eyes.
Themes
Chance, Adventure, and Human Connection Theme Icon
Honor, Reputation, and Duty Theme Icon
Fix decides that, if all else fails, his last resort will be to confess his true identity to Passepartout and convert him over to his cause of catching Fogg. He feigns surprise when he sees Passepartout on the ship’s deck, and Passepartout recounts their adventures between Bombay and Calcutta.
Fix is willing to pretend to be Passepartout’s friend in order win him over and gain more information about Fogg—he has no desire to make a genuine connection with Passepartout, only to use him.
Themes
Chance, Adventure, and Human Connection Theme Icon