Nature Against the Timetable

Around the World in Eighty Days

This flow traces the conflict between Fogg’s schedule and weather, terrain, animals, and mechanical limits.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Storms on the Red Sea Storms on the Red Sea from "Around the World in Eighty Days". Storms on the Red Sea Weather as a risk The Red Sea rolls and pitches, threatening the speed on which Fogg’s itinerary depends.

Storms on the Red Sea from "Around the World in Eighty Days". Storms on the Red Sea Weather as a risk The Red Sea rolls and pitches, threatening the speed on which Fogg’s itinerary depends.

Storms on the Red Sea Weather as a risk The Red Sea rolls and pitches, threatening the speed on which Fogg’s itinerary depends. The vessel’s progress is exposed to wind and water beyond his control. An early gain Despite the rough conditions, the Mongolia arrives ahead of schedule. Favorable passage gives Fogg a margin that will later absorb other obstacles.

The Typhoon Northward The Typhoon Northward from "Around the World in Eighty Days". The Typhoon Northward A small vessel at risk A typhoon strikes the Tankadere as it sails toward Shanghai.

The Typhoon Northward from "Around the World in Eighty Days". The Typhoon Northward A small vessel at risk A typhoon strikes the Tankadere as it sails toward Shanghai.

The Typhoon Northward A small vessel at risk A typhoon strikes the Tankadere as it sails toward Shanghai. The craft is tossed by waves, and John Bunsby must manage its sails and course carefully. Danger also propels The wind initially drives the boat north, but changing conditions threaten its progress. The passengers endure the storm because the American steamer cannot be reached by waiting safely in port.

Snow and Distance Snow and Distance from "Around the World in Eighty Days". Snow and Distance A frozen route Snow and cold threaten the transcontinental rail schedule.

Snow and Distance from "Around the World in Eighty Days". Snow and Distance A frozen route Snow and cold threaten the transcontinental rail schedule.

Snow and Distance A frozen route Snow and cold threaten the transcontinental rail schedule. Passepartout worries that accumulation could block the wheels and end the journey. Terrain resists speed The train must cross mountain passes and open plains, where conditions cannot be controlled by money or punctuality. Progress depends on the line remaining passable.

The Bison and the Bridge The Bison and the Bridge from "Around the World in Eighty Days". The Bison and the Bridge Two material obstacles A herd of American bison stops the train for hours, while a weakened bridge later blocks the route.

The Bison and the Bridge from "Around the World in Eighty Days". The Bison and the Bridge Two material obstacles A herd of American bison stops the train for hours, while a weakened bridge later blocks the route.

The Bison and the Bridge Two material obstacles A herd of American bison stops the train for hours, while a weakened bridge later blocks the route. Neither obstruction can be solved by following the timetable alone. Risk replaces certainty The train waits for the herd, then crosses the bridge at dangerous speed. One obstacle demands patience; the other invites a gamble with machinery and lives.

Coal and the Atlantic Coal and the Atlantic from "Around the World in Eighty Days". Coal and the Atlantic A mechanical limit The Henrietta cannot maintain full steam to Liverpool with its remaining coal.

Coal and the Atlantic from "Around the World in Eighty Days". Coal and the Atlantic A mechanical limit The Henrietta cannot maintain full steam to Liverpool with its remaining coal.

Coal and the Atlantic A mechanical limit The Henrietta cannot maintain full steam to Liverpool with its remaining coal. Weather has slowed the vessel, and the engine now faces a finite supply. The ship dismantled Fogg turns the vessel’s wooden structure into fuel, sacrificing nearly everything except the iron hull and machinery. The timetable is preserved through material destruction.

October, aboard the Mongolia

8–11 November, aboard the Tankadere

5–8 December, across the western United States

5–7 December

16–20 December, aboard the Henrietta