Complete Question Bank – Around the World in 80 Days
Preparing for Novel Genre in std 12 is a challenging task. As there will be no extract provided in the examination, students need to study this chapter 4.2 Around the World in 80 Days in detail. The question Bank on different elements of novel like plot, theme, character, setting and language will ease the challenges for the students.
Summary of the novel
“Around the World in 80 Days” is a classic adventure novel written by Jules Verne. The story follows Phileas Fogg, a wealthy and precise Englishman, who makes a £20,000 wager that he can circumnavigate the globe in 80 days. Accompanied by his resourceful servant, Passepartout, Fogg faces various challenges, including detective Fix, who mistakenly believes Fogg is a bank robber. The duo traverses multiple countries and modes of transportation, encountering cultural differences and unexpected obstacles. In a race against time, Fogg manages to complete the journey, arriving back in London just in time to win the bet.
Major Characters
1. Phileas Fogg:
– Description: A wealthy, reserved, and methodical Englishman.
– Personality: Precise, composed, and seemingly emotionless; values punctuality and order.
– Motivation: Undertakes the journey around the world on a £20,000 wager to prove that it can be done in 80 days.
2. Passepartout:
– Description: Fogg’s clever and adaptable French servant.
– Personality: Resourceful, loyal, and often humorous; brings a dynamic and lively element to the story.
– Role: Essential companion to Fogg during the journey, providing valuable assistance in overcoming challenges.
3. Detective Fix:
– Description: A detective who mistakenly believes Fogg is a bank robber.
– Personality: Suspicious, determined, and initially antagonistic towards Fogg.
– Role: Pursues Fogg across the globe, unaware of his true motivations, leading to unexpected twists.
4. Aouda:
– Description: An Indian princess rescued by Fogg and Passepartout.
– Personality:Grateful, strong-willed, and compassionate.
– Role: Develops a connection with Fogg during the journey, becoming more than just a rescued passenger.
5. Mr. Stuart and Mr. Flanagan:
– Description: Two members of the Reform Club who wager against Fogg.
– Personality:Sceptical, betting against Fogg’s success.
– Role: Represent the doubting perspective, creating tension and stakes for Fogg’s journey.
6. Mr. Sullivan:
– Description: Another member of the Reform Club who oversees Fogg’s journey.
– Personality:Neutral observer, ensuring the journey adheres to the rules of the wager.
– Role: Adds an official and overseeing dimension to the wager.
These characters contribute to the novel’s rich tapestry, each bringing unique traits and challenges to Phileas Fogg’s extraordinary journey.
Question Bank Activities on Around the World in 80 Days
5 C Answer in about 50 words to the questions on Around the World in 80 Days given below. (2×2 marks)
1. Explain how the author has made use of International Date Line and time zones in his novel.
Ans : Phileas Fog accepts the challenge of going around the world in eighty days. The members of the Reform club in England accepts the wager for twenty-thousand pounds. Fog goes around the world. He goes through Brindisi, Suez, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hong Kong, Yokohama , San Fransico, New York and Liverpool. He thinks that he has missed the deadline of eighty days and hasn’t reached London. His companion Passepartout learns that their journey through the different time zones had gained them a day. They reached London a day before the deadline. The author has aptly used time zones in his novel ‘Around the World in Eighty days.’
2. ‘Money was never a concern for Mr. Phileas Fogg; it was for honour he accepted the wager.’ Discuss.
Ans: Mr Phileas Fogg has the opportunity to double his fortune. But Fogg’s adventurous journey has nothing to with the money. He accepts the wager to preserve his honour and prove his worth. He wants to show the members of the Reform Club that he can do anything he sets out to do. He spends nearly all of his money along the way . This shows that for Fogg, honour is more important than money.
3. Phileas Fogg’s travel around the world was full of adventures and surprises. Illustrate.
Ans : The title ‘Around The World in Eighty Days’ itself indicates the adventures in the novel. The novelist takes the readers to a journey of many hair-raising incidents and exciting, adventurous and thrilling places. The journey with trains and ships add adventures. To the surprise Fogg wins the heart of a beautiful and charming woman in India. The detective arrests Fogg at Liverpool. The great surprise is that he keeps his word travelling around the world in eighty days.
4. Explain how the time gained of a full day is revealed to Mr. Fogg.
Ans : Passepartout is sent to engage a clergyman. He runs out out to get a reverend to marry Fogg and Aouda whom Fogg brought from India. The marraige is to be solemnised the next day on Monday according to them. Passepartout learns that the next is Sunday not Monday. He concludes that their journey through the different time zones had gained them a day. and that they are not late. He hurries home and reveals the truth to Mr Fogg.
5. Passepartout stations himself outside Phileas’ door. Give reasons.
Ans: Passepartout stations himself outside Phileas’ door because he wants to keep watch upon his master. Mr. Phileas confined himself as he thought he didn’t reach London in time and lost the wager. Knowing that Englishmen governed by a fixed idea sometimes resort to suicide. Mr Phileas may do that. Passepartout wants to avert the situation if happens. He remains outside Phileas’s door without the knowledge of Phileas.
6. Passepartout blamed himself for the misfortune of his master. Justify.
Ans : Passepartout blamed himself for the misfortune of his master Mr Fogg. He had concealed Fix’s errand from his master. Fix had revealed his true character and purpose . If he had warned his master about Fix’s purpose, his master would have given proof of his innocence. Fix would not have been on the heels of his master to arrest him.
7. Compare the remorse in the minds of Mr. Fogg and Aouda for the seeming failure of his wager.
Ans: Aouda is surprised when Mr Fogg is arrested. Her heart revolts against a charge of robbery on Fogg. She weeps bitterly as she can do nothing to save her protector. Mr. Fogg thought that he was rich enough when he decided bring Aouda from India. She would be free and happy. But as he lost his wager he was ruined.
8. Explain the stress on the mind of Fogg after returning from world tour at Saville Row.
Ans: After returning from the world tour at Saville Row, he did not open the windows and doors. No appearance of change was visible. He bore his misfortune with calmness. He could not sleep throughout the night. He did not take his breakfast and dinner. He buried himself in setting the affairs right.
9. Narrate the happenings at Reform Club on the 80th day of the wager.
Ans : The five club members awaited Mr Fogg at Reform club on the 80th day of the wager. They were excited about winning the wager as they were sure Mr Fogg would not reach there in time . Thomas Flanagan enquired about arrival of last train. They were constantly looking at the clock. They counted the seconds. At the fifty-fifth second a loud cry was heard followed by applause. And Phileas Fogg appeared before the pendulum beat the sixtieth second. He put his promise of traveling the world in 80 days.
10. There was no general agreement about Mr. Fogg’s success in the opponents. Discuss.
11. Narrate the happenings at a prison where Fogg was kept under arrest.
Ans: Mr Fogg was kept in prison. He was arrested by Fix, the detective for robbery. Passepartout would have fallen upon Fix had he not been held by some policemen. Aouda and he had remained at the prison to see Mr Fogg. Mr Fogg seated motionless, calm and without anger on the bench. At thirty-three past two Fix disclosed that the real robber is arrested and he set Mr Fogg free.
12. All is well that ends well. Justify in the light of the extract from the novel ‘Around the World in Eighty Days.’
In the novel “Around the World in Eighty Days,” the main character, Phileas Fogg, faces numerous obstacles and challenges during his journey to circumnavigate the globe in eighty days. However, despite all of these setbacks, the story ultimately has a happy ending, and this can be seen as an example of the truth of the phrase.
For instance, towards the end of the novel, Phileas Fogg has been delayed in his journey due to a mix-up in the timing of his arrival in London. As a result, he seems destined to lose his wager and fail in his attempt to circumnavigate the globe in eighty days. However, at the last moment, he discovers that he has gained a day by travelling eastward, and he manages to arrive back in London in time to win his wager.
13. Winning the heart is preferred to the winning of wager. Express by supporting the details.
Ans : The novel “Around the World in Eighty Days” supports the idea that winning the heart is preferred to winning a wager. Phileas Fogg’s decision to prioritize his relationship with Aouda over his wager demonstrates the importance of personal connections and emotional fulfillment in a person’s life. It suggests that these things are ultimately more valuable than material or monetary success.
Read about To Sir With Love – Drama Genre
Practical Activities for Improving Writing Skills
If you want to improve your writing skills, you did to write. Improving writing skills is not possible without taking initiative. Students need to do some activities. Here I provide some activities for the purpose. Writing skills and speaking skills are interlinked.
Improving Writing Skills Activity 1
Write a speech on the topic ‘Duties of an Ideal Citizen ‘ with the help of following points.
1. Obeying the law and maintaining order.
2. Serving as a community advocate and helping others.
3. Helping to keep the community clean and safe.
4. Supporting the local economy and contributing to the community.
5. Participating in civic and community events.
8 Unique Vivid Interview Questions
Maharashtra State Board has introduced framing interview questions in the syllabus of FYJC and SYJC. It should be prepared in certain format. Questions limit is 8 to 10. Here are some examples of interview questions which will help students of class 12, 11 and 10 a lot for the exams.
How to prepare 8 Unique interview questions for renowned personality.
1. Introduce yourself and why you are conducting interview.
2. Ask the person to describe their career and what they are most proud of.
3. Ask them about their work ethic and how they approach their work.
4. What advice would they have for someone starting out in their career?
5. Ask them about their personal life and how it has influenced their work.
6. Ask them about any challenges they have faced in their career and how they overcame them.
7. Ask them about the biggest lesson they have learned in their career.
Format of the Framing Interview Questions
| Name of the interviewee | Kiran Purandare |
| Name of the interviewer | Vaishali R. Jane |
| Area of success/reputation | Environment, Bird Watching, Wild life Conservation |
| Date / Venue / Time | 27-10-2021 Community Hall, Kohli at 11 am |
| Duration of interview. | 30 minutes |
Interview Questions for Environmentalist
- What led you to pursue an interest in environmentalism?
2. What are your thoughts on the current state of the environment?
3. What are your areas of expertise when it comes to environmentalism?
4. What are your thoughts on the role of the government in protecting the environment?
5. What are your thoughts on the role of industry in protecting the environment?
6. What are your thoughts on the role of the public in protecting the environment?
7. What are your thoughts on the potential consequences of climate change?
8. What are your thoughts on the potential consequences of environmental degradation?
Interview Questions for Ideal Teacher
Name of the interviewee – Prof. Tushar Chavan
Name of the interviewer : By Principal Vaishali R. Jane, Ajabrao Wankhede Jr.College,Kohli .Tal.Kalmeshwar ,Dist. Nagpur.
Area of success/reputation – Education/Teaching/Writing and blogging
Date / Venue / Time – 27-10-2021 Community Hall, Kohli at 11 am
Duration of interview. 30 minutes
Questions. Good morning Sir. First I congratulate you for receiving the Ideal Teacher Award. It’s our privilege to interact with you. Should we start?
1. Decision: Why did you decide to become a teacher? How did you come into this
profession?
2. Idols : Who are your idols? / To whom do you keep as a role model before you?
3. Support : Success cannot be gained without anybody’s support. Does your
family support you in your work?
4. Education : Where did you take your education?
5. Training : Certain sort of training is essential for becoming a teacher Where did
you take your training ?/ Which professional training have you taken?
6. Success : The price of success is hard work. What difficulties did you face while
traveling on the path of success?/ How do you feel after getting success?
7. Dream: What is your dream? / Which dream will you have to fulfill ?
8. Goals : What do you aim at ? What are your further goals for the students ?
Thank you so much Sir for giving your precious time to interact with. Thank You!
Interview questions for HSC Topper .
1. What study habits do you believe contributed most to your success in the HSC exams this year?
2. Can you share some specific strategies you used to manage your time effectively during exam preparation?
3. Were there any particular subjects or topics that you found challenging, and how did you overcome those challenges?
4. How did you maintain a balance between academics and other activities to ensure overall development?
5. Did you have a specific approach to handling exam stress, and if so, how did it help you perform well?
6. Can you share any memorable or unique study techniques that you believe made a difference in your performance?
7. How did you stay motivated throughout the academic year, especially during challenging times?
8. Did you have a favorite resource or study material that played a crucial role in your preparation?
9. Were there any mentors, teachers, or role models who inspired and guided you during your HSC journey?
10. Looking back, is there any advice you would give to fellow students aiming for academic success in the HSC exams?
Interview Questions : Bravery Award Winner
Imagine you have to conduct an interview of a distinguished person who won a national award.Name of the interviewee – Machindra Khillare
Area of Success/ Reputation : National Award
Date / Venue/ Time : 4 March 9 A.M. Times Studio
Duration of Interview : 30 Minutes
Interview Questions
1. You got prestigious bravery award for saving a mother and son from drowning. How did this happen?
2. What feelings made you to dive into the water?
3. When did you learn swimming? Did your parents support to learn swimming?
4. Weren’t you afraid of risking your life?
5. How did you feel when you saved two lives?
6. How did your family react when they first knew what you did?
7. How do you feel now after receiving the award?
8. What will you do with the amount you received as prize?
9. What do you want to become in future?
10. What message would you like to give the children of your age?
Prepare a list of Interview questions for a social worker.
- Why have you selected a career in social work?
- How is your previous experience applicable to the work you do here?
- Have you had the experience of working with people of a race or sexual orientation different from yours?
- How does culture impact our work ?
- What do you hope to accomplish as a social worker?
- What do you judge to be your major successes or accomplishments in your fieldwork?
- How did you achieve these?
- What major disappointments/failures have you had in fieldwork?
- Is there something you would do differently in your field?
Most Common Interview Questions
- Can you tell me a little about yourself and your professional background?
- How would you describe your key strengths and areas for improvement?
- Can you provide an example of a challenging situation you faced at work and how you resolved it?
- What do you consider your greatest professional achievement and why?
- How do you handle tight deadlines and high-pressure situations?
- Describe a situation where you had to work collaboratively with a team to achieve a common goal.
- What skills and qualities do you believe are essential for success in this role?
- How do you stay updated with industry trends and advancements in your field?
- Can you share an instance where you had to adapt to a change in the workplace, and how did you approach it?
- How do you prioritize and organize your work to ensure efficiency and productivity?
- Can you give an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult coworker or client, and how you handled it?
- What motivates you to excel in your job, and how do you stay motivated during challenging times?
These different interview questions for different personalities will help you to frame interview questions in your board exams of class 12 and 10.
Other Sources
Listen an interview of Muniba Mazari
Upon Westminster Bridge Solution
Maharashtra State Board Std 11 English Yuvakbharti Poem Upon Westminster Bridge Solution
Students can find here the perfect guide to the poem Upon Westminster Bridge by William Wordsworth. Icebreakers will enable them to understand the poem. Here they can find solutions to icebreaker activities, brainstorming, appreciation and activity sets.
Icebreakers : Upon Westminster Bridge
(i) A bridge connects people at either sides of a river or valleys in cities or villages. Discuss with your partner the importance of a bridge to both-the cities and the villages and complete the table.
| Cities | Villages |
| Helps to reach other part Helps to cross the road Over bridge helps to smooth traffic Avoids accidents | Shortens the distance Saves time Saves life Increases contacts |
- (ii) Building a bridge needs careful planning. Think about what goes on before the actual construction begins.
- Proper planning
- Inspecting sights
- Measurement
- Drawing of the bridge (Blueprint)
- Estimate
- Purchasing land
- Tendering
(iii) You might have visited a bridge. Complete the web describing the sights you could see from the bridge.
Paraphrase of “Upon Westminster Bridge”
Early in the morning, the view from Westminster Bridge reveals London in a rare and tranquil beauty. The city, bathed in soft sunlight, appears calm and serene, like it is dressed in a peaceful cloak. The quiet Thames flows steadily, and the clear air enhances the city’s charm.
The poet is deeply moved by the scene, feeling that nothing on earth could surpass the city’s magnificence at this moment. The stillness and harmony between the natural elements and the urban environment create an unforgettable experience. Wordsworth sees this as a moment of profound beauty, where the city and nature coexist perfectly.
BRAINSTORMING of Upon Westminster Bridge
Complete the following statements.
1. He would be dull soul who …….
2. ……. lie open to field and sky.
3. ……. never steeped so beautifully.
4. The city wears…….
Key
1. The garment is compared with morning
2. The morning looks beautiful because it is silent.
3. Guess the meaning of ‘glideth’. It is archaic word meaning glide , here swim .
4. Guess what is referred to as the ‘Mighty heart’. People of the city
(A1) For preparing questions based on the poem, overall understanding of the poem is a must. Discuss with your partner and prepare a set of five questions.
For example:
a. What is the name of the bridge?
b. What does the city wear?
c. What is the beautiful morning compared to?
d. Mention the beautiful sights referred to in the poem.
e. State beautiful sights that can be seen from the bridge
f. How is the river?
g. What does the poet tell to the god?
(A2) (i) Choose the correct alternative for the given lines. Focus on the inference of the poet.
(a) ‘Earth has not anything to show more fair:’
The line means-
(1) The poet thinks that the place was not so good.
(2) The poet thinks that there is another place which is more beautiful than this.
(3) The poet thinks that there is no place on the earth which is as beautiful as this one.
(b) ‘Dull would he be of soul who could pass by’
The line means-
(1) One can walk over the bridge and ignore the surrounding beauty.
(2) One can halt at the place to enjoy the beauty.
(3) Anyone with an appreciative mind would not be able to ignore the beauty.
(c) Never did sun more beautifully steep. The line means –
(1)The sun did not shine so beautifully.
(2) The sun rise was more beautiful the poet had ever seen.
(3) The sun did not rise more beautifully that morning.
(ii) ‘Earth has not anything to show more fair.’
This line expresses the poet’s feelings. The sight he saw from the bridge is beautiful. There are a few more lines similar to the above. With the help of your partner find them and discuss what they express.
1. Never did sun more beautifully steep
2. Ne’er saw I, never felt, a calm, so deep!
3. The river glideth at his own sweet will:
(iii) The poem creates a delightful picture of the city, rich in its natural beauty. Work in pairs, groups and pick out the lines from the poem which give the pictorial effect to the poem. Write it in your own words.
This city now doth, like a garment, wear
The beauty of the morning;
Ships, towers, domes, theaters, and temples lie
Open unto the fields, and to the sky;
(A3) Find out the words and phrases which describe the following. One is done for you.
| Words | Description |
|---|---|
| sight | touching in its majesty |
| air river house morning sun Heart Sky | smokeless sweet will asleep like a garment steep in his splendour mighty bright |
(A4) Read the line :
(i) ‘The city now, doth, like a garment wear’. The poet imagines that the city is wearing a beautiful garment. Hence, the figure of speech is personification. Find out more examples of personification from the poem Upon Westminster Bridge.
Examples of personification
- Never did sun more beautifully steep
- In his first splendour
(ii) ‘Dull would he be of soul who could pass by.’
The line is not in a prose order. This line of the poem can be rewritten in prose order as:
‘He would be of dull soul.’
The figure of speech is known as ‘Inversion’.
Find out one more examples of Inversion from the poem Upon Westminster Bridge.
- Never did sun more beautifully steep
- Ne’er saw I
(iii) The poem is a Petrarchan Sonnet. The poem is divided into two parts-
(a) An Octave
The first part comprising eight lines.
(b) A sestet
The second part comprising six lines.
Read the first four lines of the poem. The rhyme scheme is a b b a. Read the rhyme scheme for next four lines. It is a b b a. Now read the first three lines of the sestet and note the rhyme scheme. It is c d c. The rhyme scheme of the last three lines is d c d. This is the common design of a Petrarchan Sonnet.
Poetic Devices in “Upon Westminster Bridge” by William Wordsworth
1. Personification
The city is personified as wearing a “garment,” suggesting it is alive and capable of being adorned.
The river “glideth at his own sweet will,” giving it human-like freedom.
2. Imagery
Vivid descriptions like “silent, bare,” and “all bright and glittering in the smokeless air” create a serene visual image of London at dawn.
3. Hyperbole
The line “Earth has not anything to show more fair” exaggerates the beauty of the scene to express the poet’s awe.
4. Alliteration
Repetition of consonant sounds, such as in “Ships, towers, domes,” emphasizes the grandeur of the city.
5. Simile
The city is compared to a garment in “like a garment, wear,” suggesting it is cloaked in beauty.
Activity Sheet
1. Factual Questions (True/False)
State whether the following statements are true or false:
a. The poem describes the beauty of London in the afternoon.
b. Wordsworth compares the city to a garment.
c. The poet finds the city noisy and chaotic in the morning.
d. The Thames flows freely at its own will in the poem.
2. Interpretation (Fill in the Blanks)
a. The poet describes the air as __________, enhancing the beauty of the morning.
b. According to the poet, “Earth has not anything to show more ________.”
3. Identify the Figure of Speech
a. “This City now doth, like a garment, wear.”
b. “The river glideth at his own sweet will.”
4. Personal Response
How does Wordsworth’s description of the morning on Westminster Bridge make you feel? Write 2-3 sentences.
5. Poetic Creativity
Write 2-3 lines of poetry describing a beautiful morning scene in your own surroundings.
Appreciation : Upon Westminster Bridge
(A5) (i) Write the appreciation of Upon Westminster Bridge .
The poem ‘Upon Westminster Bridge’ is a Petrarchan sonnet. In this poem the poet describes the beauty of the bridge. It is a romantic poem. The poet was mesmerised with the panoramic landscape, beauty, calm and quiet nature seen from the Westminster Bridge.
Theme: The theme of the poem is the beauty of the common things seen from the poet’s eyes. The nature is filled with varied beautiful object. The beauty lies in the eyes of beholder.
Poetic Devices:
The use of poetic devices like metaphor, simile, personification adds pictorial beauty to the poem.
The poem is a sonnet (14 lines) which is divided into two parts i.e Octave and sestet . The rhyme scheme is abba abba cdc dcd. The figures of speech like inversion adds special effect. There is use of archaic words. The poet has used simple and lucid language.
Message
Ordinary things also look beautiful if seen from the poet’s eye.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the message of the poem upon Westminster Bridge?
Ans: Ordinary things also look beautiful if seen from the poet’s eye.
What type of poem is upon Westminster Bridge answer?
Ans: The poem ‘Upon Westminster Bridge’ is a Petrarchan sonnet.
What does the poet see from the Westminster Bridge answer?
Ans: Ships, towers, domes, theatres and temples
What is the rhyme scheme of the poem upon Westminster Bridge?
The rhyme scheme of the poem is abba abba cdc dcd.
What is referred to as Mighty Heart ‘?
Ans : Mighty Heart refers to the people of London
What is the tone of Westminster Bridge?
Ans: The tone of the poem is joyous and calm.
