Maharashtra Board Class 12 English Section 4 Genre Drama Chapter 4.3 Around the World in Eighty Days Solutions

12th Std English Chapter 4.3 Brainstorming Question Answer

Character:

(A1)

Question (i)One of the following is not a major character of the novel. Choose the correct one and justify. (Select the correct one.)
(a) Phileas Fogg
(b) Aouda
(c) James Strand
(d) Jean Passepartout
Answer:James Strand is not a major character of the novel. He was the real bank robber whom Fix was searching for.
In simple words: James Strand is the only character listed who is not central to the "Around the World in Eighty Days" narrative; he is the actual criminal Detective Fix was pursuing, mistakenly arresting Fogg.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identifying minor characters and their roles helps demonstrate a thorough understanding of the plot and character dynamics, earning points for textual recall.

Question (ii)Complete the table highlighting the various traits of the major characters in the extract.
Answer:

🎯 Exam Tip: Character trait analysis is fundamental for literary comprehension; providing specific adjectives and short descriptive phrases effectively illustrates understanding.

Question (iii)Phileas Fogg is as cool as a cucumber whereas Passepartout is as crazy as a loon. Explain the statement by citing some references from the extract.
Answer:Phileas Fogg was always cool except when he hit the detective Fix. He was cool and calm in prison. Even when he felt that he had lost the wager, he shut himself up in his house quietly without any noise. He was cool when dealing with Passepartout, and also when dealing with Aouda. He could control his emotions and appear to be expressionless. Passepartout, on the other hand was a very emotional and excitable person. He was very repentant when he realized that he could have prevented Fogg's arrest; he was thrilled when he knew that Fogg was marrying Aouda. He was tremendously worried about Fogg when he thought that Fogg had lost the wager. Finally, when he came to know that they had reached earlier than they had thought and there was a chance that they could reach the Reform Club in time to win the bet, he became very excited. He rushed back breathlessly to inform Fogg of the fact that it was Saturday and not Sunday.
In simple words: Fogg consistently maintains his composure and an expressionless demeanor, even in crises, while Passepartout is highly emotional, showing extreme joy, worry, and repentance throughout their adventures. This contrast highlights their differing temperaments.

🎯 Exam Tip: Citing specific examples from the text to support character descriptions is crucial for high marks in analytical questions.

Question (iv)Detective Fix tried hard but could not fix the charge of robbery on Fogg. Explain the statement from the point of view of Fix.
Answer:From the point of view of Detective Fix : Scotland Yard had given only a vague description of the man who had robbed a great sum from the bank of England. I thought that Fogg fitted the description and he was the bank robber. I put obstacles in Fogg's path just so that I could arrest him whenever I got the warrant from England. The moment we reached Liverpool, I arrested him. However, after arresting him, I found that he was not the guilty person, and the robber had already been arrested in Edinburgh some days earlier. Fogg was a respectable gentleman living at Saville Row. There was no proof and no evidence against him except that he had been travelling all over the world apparently without any purpose. I was sorry that I arrested him wrongly and I apologized to him.
In simple words: Detective Fix believed Fogg was the bank robber due to a vague description and his unusual travels, leading Fix to obstruct Fogg's journey and eventually arrest him. However, Fix later discovered the real robber had already been caught, proving Fogg's innocence and leading to Fix's apology.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explaining events from a specific character's perspective demonstrates advanced comprehension and empathy for their role in the narrative.

Question (v)Describe the character sketch of Aouda from Fogg's point of view.
Answer:From Fogg's point of view: Aouda has had a very difficult time in India. She was nearly killed by her persecutors, but I, Fogg, managed to save her and bring her to England with me. She is a wonderful person and so grateful for what I did. She was even apologetic for having delayed my return – she did not think about the danger she was in from her persecutors! She is very loving. She is not at all money-minded and was ready to marry me even though I did not have a penny to my name. How many will do this? What a compassionate, kind-hearted and generous person! An admirable woman, indeed, and one whom I am proud to have as my wife.
In simple words: Fogg views Aouda as a compassionate, kind-hearted, and admirable woman, grateful for his rescue and selfless enough to marry him even when he was believed to be penniless, highlighting her noble character.

🎯 Exam Tip: Analyzing a character from another character's perspective deepens textual understanding and reveals layers of relationship dynamics.

Plot:

(A2)

Question (i)Arrange the incidents in correct sequence as per their occurrence in the extract.
(a) Aouda accepted Fogg's proposal of marriage.
(b) When set free, the first thing that Fogg did was he knocked Fix down.
(c) As a part of duty, Fix arrested Fogg.
(d) At the fifty-seventh second, Fogg entered the Reform Club Saloon.
Answer:
(c) As a part of duty, Fix arrested Fogg.
(b) When set free, the first thing that Fogg did was he knocked Fix down.
(d) At the fifty-seventh second, Fogg entered the Reform Club Saloon.
(a) Aouda accepted Fogg's proposal of marriage.
In simple words: The correct sequence of events is Fix arresting Fogg, followed by Fogg physically assaulting Fix upon release, Fogg then triumphantly entering the Reform Club, and finally Aouda accepting Fogg's marriage proposal.

🎯 Exam Tip: Sequencing events accurately demonstrates a clear grasp of the plot's progression and cause-and-effect relationships.

Question (ii)There is a sudden twist in the climax of the novel. Explain by citing some lines and relevant examples from the extract.
Answer:Fogg and the reader first think that Fogg has lost not only the wager, but also the money and honour that went with it. The following lines tell us this : 'After having steadily traversed that long journey, overcome a hundred obstacles, braved many dangers, and still found time to do some good on his way, to fail near the goal by a sudden event which he could not have foreseen, and against which he was unarmed; it was terrible!' The unforeseen event was his arrest and imprisonment by detective Fix, who mistakenly thought he was the bank robber. However, the twist comes when Passepartout finds out that it is not Sunday but Saturday, and perhaps they can just make it to the Reform Club in time. Just as Fogg's antagonists are counting the seconds to their win,, Fogg manages to reach the Club and win the wager, giving a happy and thrilling ending to the novel. The following lines tell us this : 'At the fifty-seventh second the door of the saloon opened; and the pendulum had not beat the sixtieth second when Phileas Fogg appeared, followed by an excited crowd who had forced their way through the club doors, and in his calm voice, said, "Here I am, gentlemen!”'
In simple words: The climax features a sudden twist: Fogg believes he has lost the wager due to his arrest, but Passepartout discovers they gained a day by crossing the International Date Line, meaning it's Saturday, not Sunday. This allows Fogg to arrive at the Reform Club just in time to win the bet, turning perceived defeat into triumph.

🎯 Exam Tip: Analyzing plot twists, especially at the climax, highlights an understanding of narrative structure and thematic resolution.

Question (iii)Which of the following is an appropriate reason for Phileas Fogg starting his journey around the world?
(a) Fellow members bet Fogg
(b) Fogg bets his fellow members
(c) Fogg wants to marry Aouda
(d) Fogg committed robbery
Answer: (a) Fellow members bet Fogg
In simple words: Phileas Fogg undertook his journey around the world primarily because his fellow members at the Reform Club challenged him with a wager.

🎯 Exam Tip: Correctly identifying the primary motivation for a character's actions is key to understanding the narrative's central conflict.

Setting:

(A3)

Question (i)Choose from the following options, the means of transport used in the novel and explain the way they help the characters.
(a) Elephant
(b) Horse
(c) Train
(d) Steamer
Answer:Elephants, trains and steamers were used as a means of transport in the novel. They help the characters go around the world in the allotted time. After overcoming a number of obstacles, they reach London in time to win the wager.
In simple words: Elephants, trains, and steamers serve as vital modes of transport for the characters, enabling them to navigate various terrains and overcome obstacles, ultimately helping them complete their global journey within the tight eighty-day deadline.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recognizing and explaining the utility of specific elements, like modes of transport, showcases an understanding of how setting and plot devices contribute to the story's progression.

Question (ii)The beginning of the extract is a scene in the prison at the custom house. From there the novel moves further from one place/spot to another. Pick and explain all the places/spots where the incidents took place.
Answer:From the prison at the custom house, Fogg and his companions go to Liverpool station to catch a train back to London, where Fogg lives and where the Reform Club is located. Once they reach London, thinking that they had lost the wager, they go to Saville Row, which is Fogg's residence. The next location is the preacher's house where Passepartout goes to make arrangements for Fogg's wedding. The last location is the Reform Club, which Fogg reaches in time to win his wager.
In simple words: The story moves from a prison at the custom house to Liverpool station, then to London's Saville Row (Fogg's home), a preacher's house for wedding arrangements, and finally to the Reform Club where Fogg wins his bet.

🎯 Exam Tip: Tracing the geographical progression of events demonstrates an excellent command of the narrative's setting and plot.

Question (iii)Most of the setting in the extract is in London. Explain how this is suited to the theme of the novel.
Answer:Fogg's residence was in London. The Reform Club, which Fogg frequented on a regular basis and where the all-important wager took place, is also in London. Fogg's journey starts from London and ends in London. Hence, London is the central place in the novel, and thus this setting is suited to the theme.
In simple words: London serves as the central hub of the novel because it is Fogg's home, the location of the Reform Club where the wager began, and the ultimate destination for his eighty-day journey, making it intrinsically linked to the story's core theme of completing the world trip.

🎯 Exam Tip: Linking specific settings to the overarching themes of a novel showcases deeper analytical skills and understanding of literary purpose.

(iv) Describe The Importance Of The Following Places In The Development Of The Plot And Behaviour Of The Characters.

Question (a)Liverpool.
Answer:Liverpool is the place where Fogg disembarks from his steamer, and from where he has to catch a train to London. Liverpool is also the place where he is arrested by Fix and thus misses his train. He arranges a special train in an attempt to reach London on time.
In simple words: Liverpool is crucial as Fogg's disembarkation point and the site of his wrongful arrest by Fix, causing him to miss a critical train and forcing him to arrange a special one, significantly impacting his race against time.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlighting specific plot points and character reactions tied to a location demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of its narrative significance.

Question (b)London.
Answer:Fogg lives in London. The Reform Club, which Fogg frequented on a regular basis, is also in London. Fogg's accepts the wager in London; his journey starts from London and ends in London. Hence, London is the central place in the novel.
In simple words: London is the novel's central setting as it is Fogg's home, the Reform Club's location where the wager was made, and both the starting and ending point of his entire journey, fundamentally shaping the plot.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explaining how a central location anchors both the protagonist and the main conflict adds depth to the analysis of setting.

Question (c)Reform Club.
Answer:Reform Club is the place which Fogg frequented on a regular basis. It is at the Reform Club that Fogg gets involved in an argument over an article, and where the wager with his fellow club members takes place. It is the place where Fogg was supposed to return before 8.45 p.m. on 21 December, 80 days later. It is the place where his antagonists are waiting anxiously for him, and which he reaches at practically the last second to win his wager.
In simple words: The Reform Club is the pivotal setting where Fogg's global journey originates through a wager, serves as his critical return deadline, and ultimately becomes the site of his triumphant arrival, embodying the central conflict and resolution.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understanding the Reform Club's role as both the origin and destination of the wager highlights its symbolic importance to the narrative's tension and resolution.

Question (d)Saville Row.
Answer:Phileas Fogg's residence is in Saville Row. This is also the place where he takes Aouda. Fogg has always stayed quietly at this place. When he returned from his trip around the world and thought he had lost the wager, he remained there so quietly that no one even knew he had returned.
In simple words: Saville Row is Fogg's quiet residence, where he brings Aouda and retreats after believing he lost the wager, demonstrating his characteristic composure and desire for solitude.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explaining a character's behavior in a specific location, like Fogg's quiet return to Saville Row, reveals insights into their personality and the story's emotional undertones.

Question (e)Edinburgh.
Answer:Detective Fix arrested Phileas Fogg in Liverpool thinking that he was a bank robber. However, the real bank robber, James Strand, had been arrested on 17th December at Edinburgh.
In simple words: Edinburgh is significant because it's where the actual bank robber, James Strand, was arrested, proving Phileas Fogg's innocence and ultimately leading to Fogg's release and the climax of the story.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identifying seemingly minor locations that hold crucial plot information, like the location of the real robber's arrest, shows attention to detail and plot understanding.

Question (iv)Select the correct options: Find from the options, the place which are not mentioned in the extract:
(a) Bombay (Now, Mumbai)
(b) Allahabad
(c) Chennai
(d) Calcutta (Now, Kolkata)
Answer:Allahabad, Chennai
In simple words: From the given choices, Allahabad and Chennai are the places not referenced within the provided text extract.

🎯 Exam Tip: Carefully reading the extract to distinguish mentioned locations from unmentioned ones is crucial for accuracy in factual recall questions.

Theme:

(A4)

Question (i)Find and explain the significance of various exciting incidents in the extract.
Answer:The first exciting incident was when Fogg was arrested by Detective Fix and imprisoned in the Custom House. This meant that his return to London would be delayed, for he would have missed his train. The second exciting incident was his release. This meant that he could perhaps still reach London on time. The third exciting incident was when he tried to organize a train to London but had problems. The fourth exciting incident was Aouda's marriage proposal and Fogg's acceptance of it. This showed that Aouda was not at all materialistic and extremely grateful to Fogg for what he had done. She was willing to marry Fogg even after knowing that he was penniless. The fifth exciting incident was when Passepartout, on reaching the clergyman's house, discovers that it is not Sunday as they had thought but Saturday, and there was a chance that they could still win the wager. The sixth most exciting incident was Fogg's reaching the Reform Club at the last moment and winning the wager. All the twists and turns and the climax at the end keeps the reader glued to the novel right till the end.
In simple words: Key exciting incidents include Fogg's wrongful arrest, his subsequent release, his efforts to arrange a train, Aouda's selfless marriage proposal, Passepartout's discovery of the time gain, and Fogg's dramatic win at the Reform Club, all contributing to the novel's suspense and climax.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identifying and explaining the significance of plot points demonstrates a strong understanding of how individual events build narrative tension and contribute to the overall story.

Question (ii)Write 4-5 sentences on the 'Time' theme of the extract.
Answer:Phileas Fogg has to go around the world in eighty days if he has to win the wager. As he and his companions struggle to do this, time foils their plans in many cases. Fogg gets arrested for no fault of his and loses precious time. He is unable to catch the train from Liverpool, and the special train he arranged too gets delayed. Fogg is afraid that he has lost the bet. However, in the end, Fogg wins the bet with seconds to spare as he gained a day when crossing the International Date Line. His journey through the time zones had gained him a day. The ultimate message is that no one can control time; time will work the way it wants to work, and humans are at its mercy.
In simple words: The theme of time is central, as Fogg's eighty-day wager dictates the plot. Despite numerous delays and obstacles, including his arrest, he ultimately wins by unknowingly gaining a day through time zone changes. The extract emphasizes that time is uncontrollable and often dictates human fate.

🎯 Exam Tip: When discussing themes, always link specific plot events back to the central idea, such as how Fogg's journey illustrates the power and unpredictability of time.

Question (iii)Write 4-5 sentences on the 'Morality' theme of the extract.
Answer:Fogg embarks on his journey to preserve his honour and prove his worth to the men at the Reform Club. He spends nearly all of his money along the way, showing that riches are not what he is truly out for. He is honourable – when he thinks he is penniless, he does not want Aouda to marry him. Aouda, by proposing to him, shows that she is not materialistic. He forgives Passepartout his mistakes. Passepartout shows his loyalty and love for his master at every step. In the end, when he wins the bet, he divides whatever money is left between Passepartout and Detective Fix, showing that he had no grudges against him. The writer shows that with human effort and willpower enormous obstacles can be overcome. The writer also tells us in the end that Fogg had won something more important than money, by travelling around the world. He had won a charming woman, who made him the happiest of men. The moral at the end is that love and its attainment is more important than all the challenges and money in the world.
In simple words: The theme of morality highlights honor over wealth, shown by Fogg's quest, his willingness to share his winnings, and his selflessness towards Aouda. It also emphasizes that human effort can overcome obstacles and that love ultimately holds more value than material riches.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connecting character actions and resolutions to moral principles or overarching ethical messages enriches thematic analysis and reveals deeper literary meaning.

Question (iv)Write the central idea of the given extract of the novel, 'Around the World in Eighty Days'.
Answer:The central idea of the given extract is how Fogg ultimately wins the bet even though there are unexpected delays and missed trains. He had unknowingly gained a day when crossing the International Date Line, and hence he was still in time to meet the deadline. The final statement is that love and its attainment is more important than all the challenges and money in the world.
In simple words: The central idea is that Phileas Fogg triumphs over numerous obstacles and unexpected delays to win his wager by unknowingly gaining a day, ultimately realizing that love and human connection are far more valuable than the financial reward.

🎯 Exam Tip: A concise and accurate summary of the central idea demonstrates an understanding of the extract's main message and significance.

Question (v)Justice is served/done in the end. Explain.
Answer:Phileas Fogg is an honourable and compassionate person. He wants to win his wager of going around the world in eighty S days. He struggles against time, as well as the obstacles and delays that come his way. Finally, when he reaches Liverpool and is about to go to London to win his wager, he is arrested because he is wrongly thought to be a bank robber. Throughout this ordeal, Fogg is calm and unshakeable. Even though he thinks he has lost the wager, he does not blame anyone or lose his temper. He tells Aouda that he cannot marry her and make her live in poverty. Justice is done unexpectedly in the end when he wins the wager. He had unknowingly gained a day when crossing the International Date Line, and hence he was still in time to meet the deadline. In the end, the writer tells us that Fogg had won something more important than money, by travelling around the world. He had won a charming woman, who made him the happiest of men. Thus, justice was done to the quiet and honourable Phileas Fogg.
In simple words: Justice is served to the honorable Phileas Fogg as, despite wrongful arrest and seemingly losing his wager, he unknowingly gains a day, allowing him to win. Ultimately, he finds something more valuable than money – love with Aouda – affirming his compassionate nature.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explaining how justice is achieved, particularly after a series of misfortunes, reveals a nuanced understanding of the narrative's moral and thematic conclusion.

Language:

(A5)

(i) Elaborate The Following Quotes In The Light Of The Extract Of The Novel, 'Around The World In Eighty Days'.

Question (a)'Quitters never win and winners never quit'.
Answer:Even though Fogg loses time due to being wrongly arrested and imprisoned, he makes every effort to reach London on time. He arranges a special train from Liverpool. He does not quit when he feels that there is some faint chance of a win. Later, when Passepartout discovers that it is Saturday and not Sunday, and that there is still a chance of winning, Fogg puts aside everything and rushes headlong to the Reform Club. He does not give up in spite of all the obstacles, and comes out a winner, both in winning the bet and the love of a good woman.
In simple words: This quote embodies Fogg's unwavering determination; despite significant setbacks like wrongful arrest and missed trains, he relentlessly pursues his goal. His perseverance, even against slim odds, leads him not only to win the wager but also to find love, proving that true winners never give up.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explaining how a character's actions embody a proverb or philosophical statement demonstrates strong thematic analysis skills.

Question (b)'Time is the only solution to problems'.
Answer:The most important theme in the extract is time. Fogg's wager is a race against time, and his adventures illustrate repeatedly that time is fickle, and either works for or against them. In many cases, time foils their plans, when the delays build up and the train to Liverpool leaves without them. In the end, though, it is time that helps wins Fogg his bet, since they gained a day when crossing the International Date Line. The ultimate message is that no one can control time; time will work the way it wants to work, and humans are at its mercy. Time is the only solution to problems.
In simple words: The quote reflects the novel's core theme, as Fogg's journey is a race against time, which acts as both an obstacle and a solution. Despite delays, the unpredicted gain of a day due to crossing the International Date Line ultimately allows him to win, underscoring time's autonomous power and its unexpected resolutions.

🎯 Exam Tip: Demonstrating how a seemingly abstract concept like 'time' directly influences plot outcomes and character fortunes strengthens thematic interpretations.

Question (ii)Following are some dialogues of the major characters in the extract. Find out who the speaker is, his/her tone, style, significance, etc., of the dialogue.
Answer:

🎯 Exam Tip: Analyzing dialogues for speaker, context, and tone provides critical insights into character motivations and relationships, enhancing textual interpretation.