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Chapter 29
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
Although many passengers (including Colonel Proctor) were wounded in the conflict, none were killed. As the Sioux disappear toward the Republican River, Fogg promises Aouda that he will risk everything to find Passepartout, “living or dead.” At Fogg’s request, Detective Fix stays behind to watch over Aouda while Fogg heads out with a band of soldiers from Fort Kearny in pursuit of the Sioux.
Although Fogg has been emotionally closed off throughout the novel, here his actions make it clear that Passepartout’s love for Fogg is mutual. Fogg feels that saving Passepartout is his bound duty and, like his servant, he is willing to put his life at risk in order to do the right thing.
Themes
As Aouda and Fix wait at the station, the engineer arrives in the engine that Passepartout detached from the train. He insists that the train must leave since they are already three hours behind schedule, so Aouda and Fix decide to stay at the station even though another train will not arrive until tomorrow evening. They, along with the commanding officer of the soldiers from Fort Kearny, anxiously wait for Fogg and the soldiers as night falls.
Fogg likely knew that leaving to save Passepartout would cause him to miss the train and put him behind schedule, yet he is willing to sacrifice his own priorities in order to save his friend. This reinforces Fogg’s commitment to acting honorably and suggests that he may be starting to value his relationships over his need for control.
Themes
The next morning, they hear gunshots in the distance and see the band of soldiers along with Fogg, Passepartout, and the other two travelers who were rescued. Ten miles south of Fort Kearny, they fought and won against the Sioux who took Passepartout and the others as prisoners. Although they are met with “joyful cries,” Passepartout is guilty over the fact that he caused Fogg to miss the train.
Even though Passepartout could easily have lost his life in the conflict with the Sioux, his primary concern is still with Fogg’s schedule, demonstrating just how committed Passepartout is to serving his master and helping him win the wager.
Themes
