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Chapter 34
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 Fogg has lost his entire fortune and reputation by losing the wager, he bears the loss “with his habitual tranquility” back at home in Saville Row. Still, Aouda and Passepartout are too worried about him to sleep that night. The next morning, Passepartout cries out at Fogg, questioning why he does not blame him for losing the wager. Fogg replies that he blames no one, and orders Passepartout to leave the room so that he can speak with Aouda.
Even though Fogg has lost everything, he still maintains his usual calm demeanor and does not blame Passepartout or Aouda, suggesting that the relationships he formed with them along the journey are ultimately more important to him than winning or losing the wager.
Themes
Fogg asks Aouda to forgive him for bringing her to England, since he had counted on giving her a portion of his fortune and now he has nothing to provide for her. Aouda, in turn, asks him to forgive her for delaying him, but he assures her that saving her life and taking her out of India was necessary. Aouda, saddened by Fogg’s misfortune and lonely life, asks him to marry her so that she can be his “kinswoman and friend.”
Although Aouda grew up wealthy and went on to be the wife of a rajah, it is clear that she values genuine love over money or social status since she wants to marry Fogg despite his loss of both. The long, arduous adventure they experienced together has clearly forged a deep connection between Aouda and Fogg that would never have come about otherwise.
Themes
Fogg’s expression is uncharacteristically emotional, and he accepts Aouda’s proposal and tells her that he loves her. Fogg summons Passepartout, who can immediately tell what has just happened, and asks him to go that evening to notify the Reverend Samuel Wilson of their wedding the following day, Monday.
This passage is a major turning point for Fogg’s character, as he is finally able to overcome his robotic, unemotional demeanor and embrace the connection he has formed with Aouda.
Themes
