Around the World in Eighty Days · Chapter
In which Phileas Fogg secures a curious means of conveyance at a fabulous price explained
The train from Bombay stops unexpectedly at Kholby because the railway is unfinished, leaving a fifty-mile gap to Allahabad.
What happens
The train from Bombay stops unexpectedly at Kholby because the railway is unfinished, leaving a fifty-mile gap to Allahabad. After failing to find any other transport, Fogg purchases an elephant named Kiouni for an exorbitant price from an Indian owner. With a Parsee guide, Fogg, Sir Francis Cromarty, and Passepartout set off through the forest.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This chapter marks the dramatic climax because it presents the highest physical and symbolic point of the jour…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Determination and Resilience
Fogg's calm persistence in the face of the railway's unexpected end and his willingness to pay any price for the elephant demonstrate his unwavering determination to continue his journey.
- Time and Punctuality
Fogg constantly calculates hours and days, noting that he has two days in hand, and the chapter emphasizes the importance of timing to his wager.
- Cultural Encounter and Imperialism
The chapter highlights British colonial presence in India, the incomplete railway as a symbol of imperial infrastructure, and the negotiation with an Indian elephant owner and a Parsee guide.
Characters to notice
- Phileas Fogg
Remains calm and methodical when the railway ends, calculating that he has two days in hand. He negotiates persistently and pays a huge sum for the elephant Kiouni.
- Passepartout
Discovers the elephant for hire, is shocked by the price, and rides astride the saddlecloth between the howdahs.
- Sir Francis Cromarty
Travels with Fogg and Passepartout, warns about the pagoda incident, and is furious at the railway's incomplete state. He accepts Fogg's offer to ride the elephant to Allahabad.
- The Parsee
A young Parsee with an intelligent face who is hired as the elephant driver and guide.
- Kiouni
The elephant purchased by Fogg; half-domesticated, naturally gentle, and capable of rapid travel.
Key passages
“The train had started punctually.”
The train departed exactly on time.
Emphasizes Fogg's obsession with punctuality.
“I have constantly foreseen the likelihood of certain obstacles.”
I always anticipated that there would be some difficulties along the way.
Fogg's preparedness and foresight.
“What a price, good heavens! for an elephant.”
Good heavens, what an enormous sum for an elephant!
Passepartout's shock at the extravagant purchase.
