Directions: Write a one or two sentence summary of each chapter in a composition notebook, and bring it to school with
you in August. Write notes in the book, highlight unusual and interesting words, and use sticky notes to write questions
that you have while reading. See how many of the questions you are able to answer as you read. The questions follow
the vocabulary list. The author, Jules Vernes, filled his fast-paced story with some highly descriptive passages which beg a little scrutiny.
We will explore a few of them together. Following the vocabulary, you will find questions to think about as you read.
We will talk some more when you return in August. I will see you then!
The highlighted words in the following introduction are vocabulary words, in context.
Around the World in Eighty Days (AWED)
By Jules Verne
Around the World in Eighty Days (AWED)is an adventure fiction about a methodical Englishman who accepts a wager (one might say a
bet) to circumnavigate the globe and return home within 80 days, using all the latest (and not-so-latest) nineteenth century modes of
transportation available to him. The strange thing is that this gentleman, named Phileas Fogg, lived a life of punctuality and exactitude,
and liked his life to be orderly, without any deviation from his tranquil routine or predictable schedule. In fact, he was even particular
about the temperature of his shaving water-so much so, that he fired his luckless servant because he erroneously made Mr. Fogg’s water
two degrees too cold! . He did not like anything to upset his routine. In fact, Mr. Fogg was not known to ever stray from his routine until
that one, fateful day, when he accepts a casual dare from his club members. Without any discernable misgivings, and despite the
stupefaction of his friends, who are shocked that this normally predictable man would accept a wager and behave in such a capricious
manner, the eccentric Mr. Fogg dogmatically promises to return from his trip around the world in 80 days. Mr. Fogg hastily gathers a few
belongings and, in the company of his new, dumbfounded, servant, Mr. Passepartout-who nonetheless accompanies Mr. Fogg with alacrityembarks on his journey around the world. However, their journey is full of surprises and vexations. He is doggedly pursued by the shrewd
Detective Fix, who takes precautions to ensure that Mr. Fogg (who Mr. Fix is convinced is a thieving rogue) does not escape his grasp. Mr.
Fix develops a sneaky intimacy with the sometimes loquacious servant Mr. Passerpartout, in the hopes of obtaining some information that
might help Mr. Fix prosecute Mr. Fogg. Yet, Mr. Fogg remains an enigma to Mr. Fix, who cannot understand the liberality , heroism, and
buoyancy of Mr. Fogg, who remains calm throughout the many setbacks and detours of his journey. The imperturbable Mr. Fogg will
philosophically endure the vicissitudes of life, and yet be rewarded in the end for his tenacity. The story is full of incredible vocabulary and
fantastic events. Could anyone really have such an adventure and live through it? In the world of fiction, Mr. Phileas Fogg, an unlikely
adventurer, does embark on such a journey. How does it end?
Vocabulary: The chapter and page numbers are from the Signet Classics version of the novel.
Word
(Chapter, Pg. #)
alacrity
Part of speech (as
used in the book)
Noun
Definition and/or synonym
adj.
having the appearance of a stroke
cheerful readiness/briskness
(ch.29, pg. 186 )
apoplectic
(ch. 33, pg. 215)
Noun
particular kind of ship or sailing vessel
Noun
resiliency/floating ability
adj.
impulsive/unpredictable
Noun
waterfall/falling effect
Verb
controlled
adj.
noisy/loud
Noun
Noun
formal conference, discussion, or performance
educated guess/ surmise
Noun
faces/appearances
Verb
confirmed/supported/verified
adj.
skillful
Adj.
distinguishable/able to be detected)
adv.
with conviction
adj.
unusual/behavior that is not ordinary
adj.
mystifying/obscure/cryptic
epithet (ch.33, pg. 214 )
Noun
exactitude (ch. 37, pg.
Noun
a word or phrase used to describe the character of
someone- often insulting
the quality or state of being exact or precise
gale (ch. 21, pg. 129)
Noun
a strong wind or emotional outburst
imperturbable (ch. 33,
adj.
serene/ extreme calm
adj.
troubling/burdensome/extremely urgent or persistent
brigantine (ch. 31, pg.
200)
buoyancy
(ch. 32, pg. 202)
capricious
(ch. 29, pg. 184 )
cascade
(ch. 21)
checked
(ch. 31, pg. 201)clamorous
(ch.29, pg. 188 )
colloquy (ch. 14l pg. )
conjecture
(ch. 33, pg. 212)
countenances (ch. 6, pg.
30)
countersigned (ch. 7, pg.
33)
dexterous
(ch. 33, pg. 211)
discernible
(ch. 6, pg. )
dogmatically (ch. 6, pg.
30)
eccentric (ch. 37, pg.
236)
enigmatic
(ch. 1, pg. 3)
236)
pg. 215)
importunate (ch. 6, pg.
31)
indispensable (ch. 6, pg.
adj.
absolutely essential
32)
intimacy (ch. 33, pg.
Noun
close friendship
211)
adj.
excessively talkative
luminous (ch. 21)
adj.
emitting light
lurches (ch. 31, pg . 201)
Noun
sudden tipping movement
macadamized (ch. 15)
adj.
covered with small stones
methodical (ch. 7, pg. 35)
adj.
orderly/precise/ done with routine
minarets (ch. 6, pg. 30)
Noun
tall slender tower of a mosque
misgivings (ch. 21)
Noun
doubts
loquacious (ch. 33,
pg.210 )
Noun
panorama (ch. 6, pg. 31)
a complete view in every direction
Noun
convulsion/sudden sharp attack
philosophically (ch. 21)
adv.
with calm acceptance
phlegmatic (ch. 7, pg.
adj.
impassive/ apathetic
adj.
luminescent
adj.
resembling a picture
precautions (ch. 21)
Noun
premonition (ch. 6, pg.
Noun
measures taken beforehand to prevent harm or
secure success
previous warning
Verb
strolling/casually walking/unhurried walking
paroxysm (ch. 33, pg.
215 )
34)
phosphorescent (ch. 21,
pg. 128)
picturesque (ch. 6, pg.
31)
31)
promenading (ch. 6, pg.
28)
Noun
recent, passionate converts to a religion or opinion
rogues (ch. 7, pg. 33)
Noun
scoundrels/dishonest persons
scintillations (ch. 21, pg.
Noun
sparkles/gleams
scrutinized (ch. 6, pg. 30)
Verb
examined closely
scudded (ch. 21, pg. )
Verb
moved quickly
shrewd (ch. 6, pg. 31)
adj.
clever/astute
sledge (ch. 31, pg. 199)
Noun
a strong, heavy sled
squall (ch. 21)
Noun
stupefaction (ch. 4, pg.
Noun
a sudden, violent gust of wind that often precedes a
big storm
astonishment
adj.
Noun
Noun
secretive/ tight-lipped
a violent storm
toughness/determination
adj.
Peaceful
Noun
lush, green vegetation
adj.
bright red
Noun
troubles
Noun
changing fortunes
vigorously (ch. 6, pg. 31)
adv.
done with great energy
zephyrs (ch. 21, pg. 131)
Noun
gentle winds
proselytes (ch. 27, pg.
168)
128)
23)
taciturn (ch. 21, pg. 124)
tempest ch. 21, pg. 128)
tenacity (ch. 21, )
tranquil
(ch. 1, pg. 4)
verdure ( ch. 14,
pg. 83)
vermilion (ch.
14, pg. 80)
vexations (ch. 33, pg.
211)
vicissitudes (ch. 27, pg.
168)
Think about it!
1. What’s in a name? Does the author reveal anything about the characters by his choice of
names? Fogg, Fix, Passepartout?
2. Who changes? Authors like to develop their characters. Sometimes, the character(s)
remain static, or unchanged, but sometimes they are dynamic, and undergo change.
3. In ch. 5, pg. 25, it says that “his stock went down sharply.” What does this figure of
speech really mean?
4. In chapters 12 and 13 (XII and XIII), Fogg risks the success of his journey, and his life,
to rescue a woman he did not know. Why do you think he did this? What does it tell you
about Mr. Fogg’s character?
5. “That is foreseen,” replied Mr. Fogg. (pg. 71) What is Mr. Fogg talking about?
6. Why do you think Jules Vernes titled chapter XIV (14) the way he did?
7. In which direction are Mr. Fogg and his companions traveling?
8. What happened to Passepartout in chapter 21?
9. What is ironic about the “disturbance” on the streets of San Francisco? (chapter XXV, pg.
160)
10. Before resuing Mrs. Aouda, Mr. Fogg appears to be apathetic to his surroundings but,
afterwards, he seems to take the time to notice them. Why do you think this is so?
11. In chapter XXVII, on page 171, there is an unflattering description of Ogden. What
simile is used to describe it? Why do you think the author refers to Victor Hugo’s quote?
12. How much money would Mr. Fogg win if he completed his journey in 80 days? How
much money would he lose if he failed?
13. In chapter 29, on pg. 184, the author uses powerful imagery to describe the importance
of the railroads on the building of towns across the country. Why does the author use the
literary allusion, “Amphion’s lyre,” as a metaphor for the train’s whistle?
14. This is in the “Are you kidding me?” category. Did the conductor really tell Mr. Fogg and
Colonel Proctor that they could duel to the death inside the last train car? Could this
really have happened during the nineteenth century?
15. Picture it! Use your imagination to picture Passepartout. (pg. 189) What does this tell you
about the character of Passepartout?
16. Why do you think Mr. Fogg remains stoic despite his many troubles?
17. In chapter 30, Mrs. Aouda refuses to board the train without Mr. Fogg. Give two reasons
for her behavior. Support your answers using the text.
18. In chapter 31, on pg. 204, why does the author describe Chicago as “ already risen from
its ruins?” To what historic event is the author referring?
19. Picture it! On pg. 203 of chapter 31, the author uses imagery to describe the sledge’s
progress. Use your own words to paraphrase, in one sentence, what is happening.
20. Picture it! On pg. 207 of chapter 32, the author uses vivid imagery to describe the
captain’s appearance. Draw and color an image of the captain.
21. Give two adjectives for each of the following characters. Who has changed?
character
When you met him/her, he/she
was…
At the end of the book, he/she
was…
Phileas Fogg
Jean Passepartout
Detective Fix
Mrs. Aouda
22. In what year does the story take place? Where did you find your answer?
23. For whom is the ship they take across the Pacific Ocean named?
24. How can you tell from the text that Mr. Fogg is well read? Write down the chapter(s) and
page number (s) that you have chosen to support your answer.