Around the World in Eighty Days Themes & Symbolism

Around the World in Eighty Days Significant Topics

British Imperialism

The theme of British Imperialism is a great part of Around the World in Eighty Days. During the Victorian era, England has built an empire that stretched around the world. British Imperialism comes with negative consequences such as white supremacy, intolerance, and ethnocentric. The natives are treated as objects and many of their traditions are forgotten, or ignored. These colonies are made to bend submissively before Great Britain, which is exemplified throughout the storyline. During Around the World in Eighty Days, Fogg passes through many countries that are British colonies during that era such as Egypt, India, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

Fogg's attitude during the entire first part of the journey is exemplary of all British Imperialist beliefs and attitudes. Fogg illustrates his intolerance of any foreign custom, or behavior, through his actions. When he is in Bombay eating at the station, he is shows his contempt and superiority toward...
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