Background knowledge to deeply understand ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’ by Jules Verne
The Life and Times of Jules Verne
Jules Verne (1828-1905) was a French novelist, poet, and playwright best known for his adventure novels and his profound influence on the science fiction genre. He was born in Nantes, a port city on the Loire River in western France, where he developed a lifelong fascination with the sea and travel. His father, a successful lawyer, expected Jules to follow in his footsteps, but Jules’ interests lay elsewhere. He studied law in Paris but devoted his time to writing plays and stories. His first major success came with the novel “Five Weeks in a Balloon” (1863), which launched his extraordinary career as a writer of “voyages extraordinaires,” or extraordinary journeys.
Verne lived during a time of significant technological and scientific advancements, known as the Second Industrial Revolution (roughly 1870-1914). This era witnessed the expansion of railroads, steamships, and telegraphy, which significantly shrunk the world and made global travel faster and more accessible. These innovations fueled Verne’s imagination and inspired many of his stories, including “Around the World in Eighty Days.” Verne’s novels often explored the possibilities and potential consequences of these technological advancements, reflecting the excitement and anxieties of his time.
The Rise of Global Travel and Tourism in the 19th Century
The 19th century saw a dramatic increase in global travel and tourism, primarily due to the advancements mentioned above. Steamships replaced sailing ships, significantly reducing travel time across oceans. The expansion of railway networks made overland journeys faster and more comfortable. Thomas Cook, a British entrepreneur, is widely credited with pioneering organized tourism during this period. He arranged the first package tours, initially for domestic travel in England and later expanding to international destinations.
The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 was a pivotal moment in global travel, as it drastically shortened the sea route between Europe and Asia. It played a crucial role in Phileas Fogg’s journey in “Around the World in Eighty Days,” allowing him to bypass the long and arduous journey around the southern tip of Africa. The development of travel guides and guidebooks further facilitated tourism, providing travelers with practical information and insights into different cultures and destinations.
The British Empire and its Global Influence
The British Empire was at its peak during Verne’s lifetime, encompassing vast territories across the globe. This global presence significantly impacted travel and communication. British infrastructure, including railways, ports, and telegraph lines, often facilitated travel in various parts of the world. The British navy dominated the seas, ensuring relatively safe passage for travelers, especially those of British origin.
Phileas Fogg, the protagonist of “Around the World in Eighty Days,” is a quintessential Englishman, representing the Victorian ideal of punctuality, order, and self-reliance. His journey, facilitated by British infrastructure and influence, showcases the extent of the Empire’s reach and its impact on global travel. Fogg’s character and journey can be seen as a reflection of British national pride and the confidence of a nation at the zenith of its power.
The Concept of Time and its Standardization
The 19th century saw a growing emphasis on standardizing time, driven by the need for accurate timekeeping in railway schedules and international communication. Before this period, local time varied significantly from place to place, leading to confusion and inefficiencies. The development of the telegraph highlighted the need for a unified time system, as messages could be sent across vast distances almost instantaneously.
The concept of time zones, where the world is divided into 24 regions, each with its standard time, emerged during this era. “Around the World in Eighty Days” directly addresses this concept, as Phileas Fogg constantly has to adjust his watch as he travels eastward, gaining a day by the time he returns to London. This highlights the growing awareness of the complexities of timekeeping in a rapidly shrinking world and the impact of globalization on our perception of time.
Cultural Diversity and Stereotypes in the Novel
“Around the World in Eighty Days” takes its readers on a whirlwind tour of various cultures and societies across the globe. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that Verne’s portrayal of these cultures is often filtered through a Eurocentric lens, reflecting the prevailing attitudes and stereotypes of the time. Some depictions might be considered culturally insensitive or inaccurate by today’s standards.
For example, the portrayal of indigenous populations in North America and India relies on common stereotypes, often depicting them as exotic, uncivilized, or even hostile. While Verne’s descriptions reflect the limited understanding and biases of his time, it’s crucial to approach these portrayals critically and acknowledge the inherent limitations of his perspective. Analyzing the novel within its historical context helps us understand how cultural perceptions have evolved and why some aspects of the story might be considered problematic today.
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