Character Sketch of Aouda from Fogg’s Point of View

In Jules Verne’s “Around the World in Eighty Days,” Aouda, a young widow from India, becomes a pivotal figure in Phileas Fogg’s journey. From Fogg’s perspective, Aouda evolves from a rescue mission to a cherished companion, adding depth and emotional resonance to his meticulous and seemingly unemotional quest.

Quick Overview:

• Rescue and Responsibility: Aouda begins as a rescue mission for Fogg, symbolizing responsibility and duty. Fogg’s initial involvement with her stems from a noble desire to save a damsel in distress.
• Evolving Connection: As the journey progresses, Fogg’s relationship with Aouda transforms beyond mere duty. Aouda’s courage and vulnerability gradually draw Fogg closer to her emotionally, challenging his stoic demeanor.
• Symbol of Humanity: Aouda represents the human side of Fogg, breaking through the rigid calculations and schedules that define his life. Her presence becomes a reminder of the emotional and unpredictable nature of human relationships.
• Inspiration for Change: Aouda’s character inspires a subtle change in Fogg. Her warmth, kindness, and resilience challenge his pragmatic worldview, prompting him to reassess the priorities and values that govern his life.
• Aouda’s Influence on the Journey: Aouda’s inclusion in Fogg’s journey adds a layer of complexity and emotional depth to what initially seemed like a mechanical quest. Her presence becomes a catalyst for transformation, both in Fogg and in the narrative.

In-Depth Exploration:

Rescue and Responsibility: From Fogg’s perspective, Aouda begins as a responsibility—a woman in distress whom he feels compelled to rescue. Fogg’s decision to save her reflects his sense of duty, aligning with the societal norms and values of the time. Aouda, in the beginning, symbolizes an obligation rather than an emotional connection.

Fogg’s stoic and methodical nature initially keeps the relationship transactional. He sees the rescue of Aouda as an integral part of his precise and calculated journey, a duty that aligns with his commitment to order and predictability.

Evolving Connection: As the journey progresses, Fogg’s relationship with Aouda evolves. Her courage, vulnerability, and gratitude begin to penetrate Fogg’s rational exterior. Aouda’s emotional depth challenges Fogg’s disciplined and unemotional approach to life, prompting a subtle shift in his perception.

Fogg, who initially viewed Aouda as a rescued passenger, starts to recognize her as a person with her own history, fears, and desires. The evolving connection goes beyond the confines of duty, transforming into a genuine bond that defies the initial transactional nature of their association.

Symbol of Humanity: Aouda, in Fogg’s eyes, becomes a symbol of humanity—a reminder that life is not just a series of precise calculations but a complex tapestry of emotions, connections, and unforeseen circumstances. Her presence softens Fogg’s rigid worldview, introducing an element of spontaneity and unpredictability into his meticulously planned journey.

Through Aouda, Fogg confronts the human side of himself that he had, consciously or subconsciously, suppressed. She becomes a living testament to the unpredictable and emotional facets of human relationships, challenging Fogg to embrace the complexities of life.

Inspiration for Change: Aouda’s character serves as an inspiration for change in Fogg. Her warmth, kindness, and resilience subtly influence Fogg’s perception of the world. While Fogg remains committed to his quest, Aouda becomes a beacon of emotional connection that prompts him to reassess the rigid priorities that governed his life.

The journey, initially focused solely on punctuality and precision, starts to take on a more nuanced dimension. Aouda’s influence becomes an underlying force that nudges Fogg towards a deeper understanding of his own emotions and the value of human connection.

Aouda’s Influence on the Journey: Aouda’s inclusion in Fogg’s journey adds layers of complexity to the narrative. Her presence disrupts the mechanistic nature of Fogg’s quest, infusing it with a subtle emotional undertone. The journey, once solely about circumnavigating the globe within a set timeframe, becomes a transformative experience for Fogg, shaped by the unexpected emotional connection with Aouda.

Aouda’s influence on the journey is not just symbolic but tangible. Her character introduces an emotional arc that complements Fogg’s meticulous itinerary, turning what could have been a mechanical endeavor into a profound exploration of human relationships.

Conclusion: From Fogg’s perspective, Aouda transcends her role as a rescued passenger and becomes a symbol of humanity, warmth, and emotional connection. Aouda’s presence in Fogg’s journey challenges his stoic demeanor, prompting a subtle but significant transformation in his perception of life and relationships. In “Around the World in Eighty Days,” Aouda’s character, seen through Fogg’s eyes, adds emotional depth and complexity to a narrative initially defined by precision and predictability.