After watching Around the World in 80 Days starring Jackie Chan with my children I thought it would be interesting to read the book. The book by Jules Verne is a whirlwind trip across the globe.
In this book Verne chronicles the journey of Phileas Fogg and his servant Passepartout across the world from London and back again. The story is entertaining even though it is outlandish at times.
When learning that Fogg is about to try and travel around the world in 80 days Passpartout “mechanically set about making the preparations for departure. Around the world in eighty days! Was his master a fool? No. Was this a joke, then? They were going to Dover; good! To Calais; good again!”
To add an element of complexity to the story Verne introduced the character of Mr. Fix who is a British Detective trying to arrest Fogg who has been described as a suspected bank robber.
The book does not provide much detail about Fogg at the beginning and I expected to learn more of his backstory as the book progressed but never really got the details I was hoping for. The interactions between Fogg and Aouda are also lacking. My favorite interactions were between Passpartout and Fix.
Overall the book missed an opportunity to allow the reader to connect with Fogg and his relationship with Aouda. The book was probably about 50 pages too short to build up the main characters in more depth. As a result it is just a quick whimsical read. I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.
Great literature should do more than entertain us. It should provide a roadmap to improving our lives.
In A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens introduced readers to Sydney Carton, one of literature's most compelling and deeply flawed characters. Dickens also gives him an unusual title: the Jackal.
His struggles raise questions that remain relevant today.
Are we defined by our past mistakes? Can we overcome our weaknesses? What separates the people we are from the people we could become?
Lessons From the Jackal is a 25-day character study exploring these questions through Sydney Carton’s life, decisions, relationships, and personal development.
This is not a traditional course on A Tale of Two Cities. Our reading assignments will focus specifically on Carton, with sufficient background provided to understand his story. No previous knowledge of the novel is necessary.
Each day will feature selected readings, historical comparisons, reflection questions, discussions, and practical challenges ...
Is character a measure of habits and discipline?
Can a person have a strong moral character while leading a very undisciplined life?
Does a person’s surroundings influence behavior or can those surroundings shape character?
What happens when a person enters a place where different values than their own prevail?
