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 . . .