Poor Fogg you meanies!!

You people sure are hard Fogg. I do agree that he wasted a lot on Fix and ideally should have been more suspicious. But let's give him a little credit for trusting that people are generally good. He was just trying to be a generous person, which we know he tends to be like anyway. Remember the begger lady at the beginning. And why not help someone half your trip around the world if his same destination just happens to be the same as yours!!
And little Aouda. Who cares if she is afraid of being scared. She loves Phileas and Phileas apparantly loves her. At least he'll make sure she's taken care and that is more than some marriages. Plus, he did save her from an awful fate. I think Aouda is fine proposing the marriage. He may never have done it. She was just waiting for the right opportunity to express how she felt about it and found it.
Thank goodness Pass went to the church. I think this trip was good for him. I daresay he has grown as well as Fogg and Fix. "Oops. There was an amazing resemblence between you two!" What a dork.
Looking forward to the next book. And I'll only read by chapter so I can write more. I'm sure you're all looking forward to that.

Tay, why did you have to go there honey?!!

The End

Well, all's well that ends well. Fix got his and so did Pass., Aouda, and Phileas. I'm glad that it all ended well and that Aouda can be well taken care of by Fogg as he intended. I like that she proposed to him, but i'm debating whether or not that was through courage or fear or being alone or something else. It was definitely pre-meditated, something she'd been thinking about for quite some time. I like Passeportout. He's a kick and a great comic relief to the novel. (comic in the literary sense, shakespearian even)

Harry POtter was good. I am thoroughly satisfied with the ending.

What Did Fogg Win?

Fogg’s success cannot be measured in money because although he won the bet, he did not gain any actual financial profit (the little gain he got he split between Passepartout and Fix). So, I guess you could say that Fogg was successful because he gained bragging rights. But, by the end of the book what is there really to brag about? Fogg can’t brag that because of mathematical precision, knowledge and opportunity of modern transit, and planning for the unexpected he made it around the world in eighty days. Yet, that is what I believe he originally set out to achieve. Instead, due to some knowledge of modern transit, a lot of money, and a willingness to lead a mutiny he managed to finally make it around the world in spite of his stupidity in befriending and paying for the travel of a traitor. Worst of all for the calculating, calm, steady paced Fogg—he was too stupid to figure out that he gained a day and consequently, almost lost the bet. Perhaps, even worse, the only way he actually managed to win the bet was by a mad sprint to the Reform Club! I mean, does it get anymore humiliating than that? Other than that, I think the only success he had (since he didn’t bother to partake of the benefit of actually looking around foreign countries) was to “get” Mrs. Aouda. In fact, I would even call her a trophy wife. Maybe that’s how the term originated . . .

"I Really Must Be Stupid!"

The above quote is from Fix, ch. 30, however, I think it is the theme for this entire set of chapters.

Fogg is stupid for blindly accepting Fix and never questioning the coincidence of constantly meeting up with him. If Fogg wasn't so purposely introverted, he would have carried on enough conversation with Fix by now to be suspicious.

The conductor is stupid for taking the train full speed across the bridge. Fogg and Proctor are stupid to the point of being utterly ridiculous. They are fighting over nothing. And seriously, if they must fight, wouldn't a fist fight do the job? Are their egos so big that they would rather die than be alive knowing that the other who has insulted them is also alive? I mean it would be one thing if Proctor had slept with "the woman," but simply telling Fogg he shouldn't play diamonds? Give me a break. Duelling with Proctor is neither his duty nor the right thing to do.

Finally, Fix really is stupid. Not necessarily for suspecting Fogg. But he is stupid for being so obsessed with winning the finders fee that he won't accept the obvious signs that Fogg is not the bank robber. So, instead of finding the right suspect, he is going all around the world and wasting a lot of money traveling that will not be reimbursed by the bank. I predict it will end up alright though, since I am sure the "kind and generous" Fogg will decidedly and dispassionately reimburse Fix.

Chapters 26-30 Whimsy, you say?

I think "some" people are giving way too much credence to these characters. If Verne says anything profound, it is entirely accidental. So the train ride, the Mormon history (spelled Hyrum incorrectly). However, the closing line in Chapter 26 on wives "...one, and that way enough!" That's a keeper. The duel, the collapsed bridge. Passapartout's idea was a good one. An attack by Indians! The fact that Fogg does go back to retrieve Passapartout is not the deal breaker. It is that he was successful. It wasn't "duty calls"; it was "what the hell". These last few chapters, albeit entertaining, were at the most whimsical and at the least, contrived.

Most exciting!

Chapters 29 and 30 have been the most exciting yet, I thought the "Mormon" chapter was funny.

Fogg- I think is is more noble than ever, even if he does spend his money freely. I think he does what is right, because it is right, no matter who trys to discouage him., or if the right thing (saving Passepartout) makes him lose the bet. I think he is a man,he doesn't just look like a gentleman, but knows what one really is. I think Verne has created a man lead by virtue and morals ; who when put to the test lives by them.

Fix- I agree with his own assessment of himself he is an @$$.

Audoa- still faithful, and didn't swoon in battle, I like that she is strong. I think she is in love with Fogg.

Passepartout- I like that he and Fogg share each others burdens. Passe makes so many mistakes, but then does some brave thing and makes up for them all.

Proctor- why do men act like this??

Can Money Buy Anything?

Let's face it--this book does not show that any average person can travel the world in 80 days. It shows that a very rich Englishman can buy the impossible. If Fogg's pockets weren't overflowing with money, he would have been inevitably delayed on this trip. He pays bonuses to encourage captains to get him somewhere early or on-time, he uses a small fortune to buy an elephant, he can charter a ship on a whim and get the captain to take it through a typhoon (which was a "hazardous underaking . . . particularly at that time of year," ch. 21), and his English money can even be used to defeat the law (the bail posting). Furthermore, it appears Fogg is unconcerned in the least by the danger he is placing others in as long as they are properly compensated.

Fogg's best quality is that he knows how to throw his money around in order to get his way and that he has the arrogance and presumption to do it. And now it appears that Fogg's money is going to win over a woman who has no other options. Not that I mean to judge her--she probably really didn't have a lot of options. It's not like the nameless Mrs. Aouda could go out and get a job (and still maintain her level of class). Hell, I'd be willing to put up with an untalkative, whist playing old guy too. In fact, if any of you knows a rich one who likes to travel, let me know. I mean at least she is getting a guy that realizes how "unthinkable" it is that a woman could make a journey with only one bag. Ch. 20. And in return he is getting a woman that is fairly pleasant to look at, uncomplaining, soft spoken and who constantly expresses her gratitude and admiration for him. That's a heck of a deal and a great lesson on how to stretch a dollar.

Alright

So, Fix is absolutely a scoundrel. I only think that because i know that Fogg is just the sort of person who doesn't tolerate dishonesty. I especially don't trust him to do anything helpful for the travellers. Poor Pass., all he wants to do is be a good servant and Fix just tries his hardest to ruin that for him.

Aouda seems like a nice enough girl. I don't know that she's necessarily in love, but she does hold a lot of admiration for Fogg. I like her concern for Pass. I admire her for being aware that she owes Pass her life and is always concerned for his well being. However, i wish that she had a little more backbone as a woman, but i suppose she can only be as outspoken as Verne writes her to be.

I honestly didn't know that we were to post every week, I thought we were on a two week schedule. I hate to admit it but I think Tegan may be more savvy than me.
Anyway, what I think so far:

Pass: I like him but he is kind of a pain. He really is almost nothing but trouble. He costs Phileas money and time. He and Phileas are not "kindred spirits" as it were. He is all about soaking in as much as he can about the places that he goes. And Phileas obviously could care less. But he does stick up for his master and there is a lot to be said for that kind of devotion.

Fix: is a scoundrel. He is costing Phileas a lot. And now poor Pass being all drunk and high on opium. But I think he really is just trying to do what he should.

Phileas: would be suspicious of Fix if he really were a robber. So I don't think he is. And he is showing more and more kindness and humanity as their adventure goes along. He doesn't seem the type to me to be smitten by Aouda. It seems like he is just trying to do the right thing. I don't know what I think about them. They seem a weird match.
I too think it's weird how calm he is about everything. He must have some repressed something because he doesn't show any emotion at all. He sure has a lot of money. I can't quite get over it. I still don't know why he is doing this when there is so much on the line? Is he prideful or just crazy? I think the latter.

Aouda: I think she is nice. I don't know if she loves Phileas or not. If she is falling for him I don't know if it's really because of who he is. How can she really even know. It would be more for saving her life. Maybe that is enough though. I like that Phileas tries to take care of her so much. But isn't that just humanity?

I do like this book. How do we pick our next? Can we give suggestions? My suggestion is that we read A Christmas Carol. Down the road of course, closer to Christmas.

THE PLOT THICKENS

Fogg-
I think him very brave to brandish a knife to save Auoda, but what are all the reasons for him doing it, aand keeping her with him. How will all work out mathmatically? I wonder at his calm at all times, even in the midst of a typhoon; it seems to calm and give confidence to those around him.

Passepatout-
I was so glad the he finally learned that Fix was not his friend, then he became his alli!! Well at least he beat the crap out of him. He is very resourceful (ie) selling his clothes and becoming a long nose.

Fix- I knew I didn't trust him, but after playing chicken and hiding in his room, he took his punishment well. I wonder if it will work to Foggs benefit to have Fix in his debt.

Auoda-
I am sure she is falling in love with Fogg, the adventure must seem very a romantic thing to a young woman.
She is experiencing all the hardships he is, and taking his part. I wonder if the affection will be returned.

I am looking forward to crossing America with Phileas.

Hey, I was just talking to Frances. Evidently I have not been "getting it". So I just went through and read all of the "comments". You guys, the beauty of the exercise is in the "comments"! Although I haven't figured out how to get there yet. And if you all haven't been paying attention (poorly written) -- Tegan is getting snippy!!

Chapter 25
So the capital of California is San Francisco. I remember something about that. Learned that in a western on tv or something. The guy with the sons. Oh yeah, Bonanza! Has Verne actually been to San Francisco. I've been there. I don't remember that it had wide streets. Am I taking this too literally. He describes San Francisco like he describes Hong Kong in Chapter 19. I guess all big cities look the same. Just one more reason to stay inside, drink a Pepsi and look at the postcards. If Pass would employ the same attitude he would save some wear and tear on his body. And the political rally that runs amok the explanation for which is the second to the last line of Chapter 25. A classic. "No, sir; of a justice of the peace."

Chapter 19-24
Not for nothing, but I too am changing my mind. I am only on Chapter 25 but I am trying to determine what the author is trying to tell us. First, I think this is a joke. All in good fun I suppose. But doesn't Fogg represent someone who has his eye on the prize? Phileas has a goal and he seemingly lets nothing interfere with that. He does manage to pick up Aouda on the way (perhaps that is how that terminology originated). he is undeterred by a suttee, the train tracks being incomplete and having to travel by way of elephants (noisey ones at that) across India, losing a servant, acquiring a parasitic friend (if you can call Fix a friend), missing his ship and sailing across the Pacific in a canoe (so to speak). And, with reluctance I say this, are we not represented by Passapartout? Actually he doesn't even have the same goal as Fogg. His goal is to serve his master whose goal happens to be to circumvent the globe in eighty days. But he constantly gets off track by the "little things". Drunkeness and a little opium, a detective who is also quasi lunatictish, gets beat up for not wearing shoes and must put on a false nose to make money (at lease Cyrano didn't get paid). This might be a contrast to consider. I was particularly entertained in Chapter 24 wherein Passapartout beats the snot out of Fix. French over the Brits. And the Americans? Well, they stand around, amused, and begin immediately to bet on the two. Gotta love 'em (I'm referring to the Americans here).

Posted by mom on Saturday, July 7, 2007

What an Idiot

Passepartout is an idiot! What was he thinking going into a smoke house with Fix. Once they saw what kind of place it was, they should have walked out and found a nice place to drink tea. Once again Passepartout's inclination to drink has gotten him into trouble. And Fix is very unkind to hand him that pipe. Shame on him. Granted, Passepartout does have the inner strength to get to the "Carniac" but that does not help his maester much. Luckily, the mastermind Fogg found another way. Actually, I was impressed by his determination and perserverance. He worked hard and got rewarded for it. I also like the fact that he paid for Fix and that Fix feels bad about it. So, is Aouda in love with Fogg or what? It doesn't seem to be openly reciprocated. Hopefully Aouda doesn't give up on him and fall for the drunk Passepartout (I don't think that would happen).

I Beg Your Parton

I'm not trying to cause trouble here (although the thought has occurred to me before) but I cannot abide these posts by "Tay and Brian". I mean, you each have a mouth (much to my consternation at times), so who's doing the talkin'?

So, I'm not sure who in their right mind would want to take a detour in the middle of the jungle to stop people who readily sacrifice humans. However, it was a noble effort. I think that if i was about to be sacrificed and somebody was willing to give up a lot of money to save me, i would appreciate it a lot.

Aren't elephants easily scared? Well, i think that those people would frighten him. Let's be honest - they weren't exactly quiet about the whole thing.

Maybe we should be emailing a reminder about the posting date? It makes it easier to remember. :)

Chapters 13-18

Is this not a study of extremes? Initially Passepartout is a bit indifferent to Fogg. Then he slowly begins to warm toward him because "slowly" is how Pass thinks! One of the few times PF gingerly slips out of his comfort zone to save a bonny lass because he has the time and Pass goes nuts In Chapter XIII "His master's idea charmed him; he perceived a heart, a soul, under that icy exterior. He began to love Phileas Fogg". I personally don't see a heart or soul; I think PF is just a little bored and doesn't have any whist partners handy. However, the suttee is a bit bizarre, isn't it? I don't think I would want to get out and view the Ganges if I was traveling it. Why not just go into the restaurant, order a Pepsi and look at some postcards?
Mr. Oysterpuff? How contrived. But a classic quote
"The first case," said he. Then, putting his hand to his head, he exclaimed, "Heh! This is not my wig!"
"No, your worship," returned the clerk, "it is mine."
"My dear Mr. Oysterpuff, how can a judge give a wise sentence in a clerk's wig?"

How indeed?

Are the personalities and sentiments of Phileas and Passepartout juxtaposed against one another to draw attention to their dissimilarities?

I hate to say this, but I think Verne is just having some fun.

Change of Opinion

So maybe Mr. Fogg is not as bad as I thought he was. He is definitely improving. It is nice of him to let precious Aouda on the trip with him to Hong Kong. Fix is a very clever fellow. Smarter than I gave him credit for. He is going to be a pain in the neck. Passepartout is still loyal as ever and I am now thinking that this loyalty will serve him well. I think the book is well written and very easy to read and I am really enjoying it. It is hard not to read ahead. I hope everyone else is enjoying it too!