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Around the World in Eighty Days, Chapter 21 summary

Chapter 21 of 37 · 10 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 21, Phileas Fogg and his companions sail toward Shanghai aboard the Tankadere, surviving a typhoon while losing valuable time for their connection to Yokohama. When the American steamer appears before they reach port, Fogg orders a distress flag and a cannon signal to attract its attention.

What happens

  1. The Tankadere leaves Hong Kong, while Fix plans to keep pursuing Fogg and Fogg wonders whether Passepartout boards the Carnatic.
  2. Favorable winds bring strong progress, and Fogg refuses Fix’s offer to pay for his passage.
  3. A typhoon strikes, and John Bunsby’s handling keeps the small boat afloat through enormous waves.
  4. When Bunsby suggests seeking a coastal port, Fogg insists on Shanghai, and the voyage continues through the storm.
  5. The weather improves, but fading winds threaten their chance of reaching the steamer before its departure.
  6. Seeing the departing American steamer, Fogg orders a distress flag raised and the signaling cannon fired.

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In this chapter

FoggPassepartoutFixJohn Sullivan

What to notice

Fogg measures the approaching danger by its effect on his progress. His calm response contrasts with Bunsby’s concern about the storm.

Quick check

How does Fogg try to attract the departing steamer’s attention?

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