The Duel That Never Happens

Around the World in Eighty Days

This flow traces how Fogg’s attempt to settle an insult is repeatedly displaced by the urgency and danger of the journey.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The San Francisco Insult The San Francisco Insult from "Around the World in Eighty Days". The San Francisco Insult A public brawl Fogg and his companions are caught in an election riot, where Colonel Stamp Proctor strikes at Fogg.

The San Francisco Insult from "Around the World in Eighty Days". The San Francisco Insult A public brawl Fogg and his companions are caught in an election riot, where Colonel Stamp Proctor strikes at Fogg.

The San Francisco Insult A public brawl Fogg and his companions are caught in an election riot, where Colonel Stamp Proctor strikes at Fogg. Fix takes the blow while protecting him. A promise of return Fogg thanks Fix but declares that he will return to America to find Proctor. The insult becomes a personal matter that conflicts with the trip’s immediate purpose.

The Rival Reappears The Rival Reappears from "Around the World in Eighty Days". The Rival Reappears Aouda recognizes him Aouda sees Proctor among the passengers and fears that Fogg will notice him.

The Rival Reappears from "Around the World in Eighty Days". The Rival Reappears Aouda recognizes him Aouda sees Proctor among the passengers and fears that Fogg will notice him.

The Rival Reappears Aouda recognizes him Aouda sees Proctor among the passengers and fears that Fogg will notice him. She understands that a confrontation could cost time and jeopardize the wager. A temporary plan She alerts Passepartout and Fix, who agree to keep Fogg away from Proctor. Their shared concern shows how a personal feud has become a threat to the whole party.

Whist as a Diversion Whist as a Diversion from "Around the World in Eighty Days". Whist as a Diversion A calculated occupation Fix proposes a whist game to keep Fogg inside the car. Fogg agrees readily, and Aouda joins the game.

Whist as a Diversion from "Around the World in Eighty Days". Whist as a Diversion A calculated occupation Fix proposes a whist game to keep Fogg inside the car. Fogg agrees readily, and Aouda joins the game.

Whist as a Diversion A calculated occupation Fix proposes a whist game to keep Fogg inside the car. Fogg agrees readily, and Aouda joins the game. Conflict deferred The cards provide a way to avoid a chance encounter, not to resolve the grievance. Their temporary calm ends when the train stops before a dangerous bridge.

The Duel Set Aside The Duel Set Aside from "Around the World in Eighty Days". The Duel Set Aside A direct challenge Proctor confronts Fogg during a game and insists on a duel.

The Duel Set Aside from "Around the World in Eighty Days". The Duel Set Aside A direct challenge Proctor confronts Fogg during a game and insists on a duel.

The Duel Set Aside A direct challenge Proctor confronts Fogg during a game and insists on a duel. Fogg accepts despite the delay, while Aouda and Fix try to protect the schedule. The train refuses to stop The conductor announces that the train is late and must continue. The duel is postponed by circumstances rather than resolved by either man.

A Greater Fight A Greater Fight from "Around the World in Eighty Days". A Greater Fight Attack interrupts grievance Sioux raiders attack the train before the duel can proceed.

A Greater Fight from "Around the World in Eighty Days". A Greater Fight Attack interrupts grievance Sioux raiders attack the train before the duel can proceed.

A Greater Fight Attack interrupts grievance Sioux raiders attack the train before the duel can proceed. Fogg and Proctor both leave the planned confrontation to respond to the larger danger. The feud remains open The attack and Passepartout’s disappearance overtake the personal dispute. Fogg’s later return to London takes priority over any attempt to settle the insult.

3 December, San Francisco

7 December, at Green River

7 December, during the rail crossing

8 December, near Plum Creek

8 December, moments later