abstract illustration of two people journeying around the world on trains, boats, and hot air balloons

Around the World in Eighty Days

by Jules Verne

Start Free Trial

Editor's Choice

What is the setting of the novel Around the World in Eighty Days?

Quick answer:

The setting of Jules Verne's Around the World in Eighty Days spans multiple global locations in 1872. It begins and ends in London, England, as Phileas Fogg embarks on his journey. Key settings include the Middle East (Suez), India, Hong Kong, Japan, and the United States, specifically San Francisco and New York. The Pacific Ocean crossing is a significant part of the journey. Each location contributes to Fogg's quest to complete his journey within eighty days.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

Setting is generally the time and place of a story. The time is the easier setting to define for this story. Fogg begins his journey around the world in October of 1872. He begins his journey from his home city of London, England where he is an English gentleman. His journey is part bet and part experimental proof. It has been stated that the journey can be made, but most of Fogg's colleagues don't believe it. If you have to pick one setting location that gets more page time than any other location, then London is that setting location since the book begins and ends in London. The world is a large place, and Fogg's journey has to take him to many places that Verne simply didn't have time to write about or didn't want to write about. As for places that the story spends a fair amount of time in, Fogg's story spends a fair amount of time telling readers about Passepartout in India, San Francisco and New York in the United States, Japan, and a ship on the Pacific ocean.

Approved by eNotes Editorial
An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

As the title of the story implies, Jules Verne's novel is one of multiple settings and locations around the world. Beginning his voyage in October 1872, Phileas Fogg first travels from his London home to the Middle East (Suez). From there he travels by train and steamer (and elephant) through India and on to Hong Kong. He continues on to Yokohama, Japan before crossing the Pacific Ocean to San Francisco, the longest part of his journey (22 days). From California, he takes the train to New York City before eventually reaching London with one second to spare--and winning the bet. He visits many lands in between and even returns with the woman of his dreams.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial