"Around the World in 80 Days" by Jules Verne, despite its focus on adventure and travel, explores several important moral values:
1. Determination and Perseverance:
* Phileas Fogg: He demonstrates unwavering commitment to his goal, facing numerous obstacles and challenges with determination. This showcases the value of persistence in achieving one's objectives.
* Passepartout: Fogg's faithful servant, despite facing language barriers and cultural differences, consistently supports Fogg's quest.
2. Courage and Risk-Taking:
* Fogg: He risks everything – his reputation, fortune, and even his life – to win the bet and complete his journey. This highlights the value of taking calculated risks and embracing challenges.
* Aouda: She risks her own safety to travel with Fogg, showcasing her courage and trust in him.
3. Compassion and Empathy:
* Fogg: Though initially portrayed as aloof and reserved, Fogg shows compassion towards Aouda, rescuing her from a dangerous situation and ultimately helping her find her rightful place in society.
* Passepartout: He demonstrates empathy for those they encounter, even in different cultures, showcasing the importance of understanding and respecting others.
4. Importance of Friendship and Loyalty:
* Fogg and Passepartout: Their journey strengthens their bond as they rely on each other through adversity. This highlights the value of friendship, trust, and unwavering loyalty.
* Fogg and Fix: While initially adversaries, they develop a mutual respect and understanding as Fix gradually recognizes Fogg's integrity and the value of his journey.
5. Respect for Diverse Cultures:
* The novel emphasizes the beauty and richness of different cultures, showcasing the importance of open-mindedness and appreciating different customs and beliefs.
* Fogg and Passepartout: Their journey takes them through various countries, exposing them to diverse societies and cultures, highlighting the importance of tolerance and intercultural understanding.
6. Justice and Fair Play:
* Fogg: He stands for justice and fairness, refusing to compromise his principles, even when it jeopardizes his chances of winning the bet.
* Fix: While initially pursuing Fogg for the wrong reasons, he ultimately recognizes his mistake and helps him achieve his goal, demonstrating the importance of upholding justice and ethical conduct.
7. The Power of Adventure:
* The novel encourages exploration and adventure, reminding us that venturing outside of our comfort zones can be enriching and broaden our horizons.
* Fogg and Passepartout: Their journey is an adventure that teaches them valuable life lessons and opens their minds to new perspectives, highlighting the significance of exploring the world and expanding our understanding of ourselves and others.
Overall: "Around the World in 80 Days" promotes universal moral values like determination, courage, compassion, respect, and justice, encouraging readers to embrace adventure, value friendship, and appreciate the diversity of cultures.