Question

The beginning of the extract is a scene in the prison at the custom-house. From there the novel moves further from one place/spot to another. Pick and explain all the places/spots where the incident took place.

The most of the part of the setting in the extract is in London. Explain how the setting of the extract is suited to the theme of the novel.

Answer 1

The following is an outline of the places/spots mentioned in the extract:

The extract begins in the prison at the custom-house in Liverpool. Fogg has been wrongly imprisoned and the deadline of the bet is drawing near. Fogg’s arrest at Liverpool proves to be the worst blow to his plans. Once released, Fogg and his companions rush to the station to take a train to London. Here, Fogg orders a special train and bribes an engineer to set out for London as soon as possible. This shows Fogg’s desperation to reach London in time. However, they are too late when they arrive in London, Fogg loses the bet and they all retire to Fogg’s house on Savile Row. Fogg’s home is the only place where he allows himself to be truly upset. It is also a sanctuary for Aouda who has been provided with food and shelter. It is here, in Fogg’s home, that Fogg and Aouda confess their love for each other and intend to marry, thereby sending Passepartout to hire a Reverend for the marriage ceremony to be performed the next day. Passepartout’s interaction with the Reverend makes it clear that they have made a mistake in keeping time and that there is still some time left before the deadline. Passepartout then travels back home to Savile Row, quickly convinces Fogg to come along and they rush to the Reform Club where they arrive just in time to win the bet.

Importance of the Setting of London to the Theme of the novel:

The extract is set primarily in 1870s London. This setting is best suited for the novel because the Industrial Revolution in Great Britain led to the development of many modern means of transport. These made world travel a realistic goal and inspired Verne’s story. The novel’s theme of adventure and excitement are both directly related to the use of these marvellous inventions as the main character relies on them to undertake his adventures around the world. Another important aspect of the London setting is the Reform Club of England. The Reform Club symbolizes the refined London society that Fogg and Passepartout must leave behind when they embark on their trip around the world. Thus, it acts as the threshold between ordinary life and the world of adventure. Lastly, the Victorian Era setting of London, England highlights the themes of morality and honour. During this era, the notion of a ‘gentleman’ was considered to be a matter of pride and honour. A ‘gentleman’ was considered to be typically associated with wealth and privilege, but also possessed the values of morality, generosity and proper etiquette. Because of this, it was very important for Fogg to uphold his reputation and was in fact, his primary motivation in making the bet. Even in difficult situations, Fogg does not give up on his morals and behaves honourably, as was expected of an English gentleman.