Around the World in Eighty Days · Chapter
XV explained
Phileas Fogg, Aouda, and Passepartout are arrested upon arrival in Calcutta for Passepartout's earlier desecration of a pagoda in Bombay.
What happens
Phileas Fogg, Aouda, and Passepartout are arrested upon arrival in Calcutta for Passepartout's earlier desecration of a pagoda in Bombay. They are brought before Judge Obadiah, who sentences Passepartout to fifteen days' imprisonment and a fine, and Fogg to a week's imprisonment and a fine. Fogg immediately posts bail of one thousand pounds each, securing their release. They proceed to board the steamer Rangoon, while detective Fix, who orchestrated the arrest, follows in frustration.
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
- Justice and Mistaken Identity
Fogg and Passepartout are arrested for a forgotten offense in Bombay, while the true circumstances of Aouda's rescue are ignored.
- Determination and Resilience
Fogg remains composed under arrest and promptly posts bail, refusing to let the delay derail his journey.
Characters to notice
- Phileas Fogg
Arrested and sentenced for his servant's sacrilege; posts bail to continue his journey.
- Passepartout
Arrested for violating the pagoda at Malabar Hill; his rash exclamation confirms the charge.
- Aouda
Accompanies Fogg and Passepartout to court; expresses guilt for their troubles.
- Fix
Detective who orchestrated the arrest by alerting the priests and magistrates; watches from the courtroom.
- Judge Obadiah
Presides over the case, initially confused about his wig; sentences the prisoners.
Key passages
“Mr. Fogg, as self-composed as if the judgment did not in the least concern him, did not even lift his eyebrows while it was being pronounced.”
Fogg showed no reaction to the sentence, remaining perfectly calm.
Highlights Fogg's unflappable demeanor under legal pressure.
“Fix rubbed his hands softly with satisfaction; if Phileas Fogg could be detained in Calcutta a week, it would be more than time for the warrant to arrive.”
Fix was pleased, hoping the delay would allow the arrest warrant to catch up with Fogg.
Reveals Fix's scheme to use the legal system to stop Fogg.
