During the 19th century, Europe was riding a wave of innovations. Everything was beginning to become automated; communication, production, and most importantly travel. The development of railway systems allowed for everyday people to travel at rates that were previously unthinkable. What would have been a six month journey across countries could now be completed in a matter of weeks. While the volume of travelers increased, so did Europe’s interests in other countries. Documenting the rest of the world was a growing passion for Europeans, there were even entire clubs created dedicated to collecting knowledge about the world. Along with increased global interest came new works of literature relating to the subject. One example of this is a novel
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When readers are given a description of Miss Aouda the first things spoken of are her beauty and her English education. Verne states that she had a “thoroughly English” upbringing in the city and she was “truly transformed” by her English education. By using profound diction, Verne implies that Miss Aouda is only considered intelligent because of her English upbringing. Speaking and living an English lifestyle is not a direct measure of intelligence, yet the group admires her more for it. The view that a European education is somehow more valid was very present in the 19th century. During the age of European imperialism, missionaries would travel to other countries to spread language and religion.Europeans believed that foreign countries would only benefit from their involvement, even though this was not always the case. It was unlikely for people to believe that someone could be educated without European …show more content…
The way Verne goes about describing these interactions allows readers to understand European opinion at the time. Verne tends to outline other cultures in the story as eccentric and mystical. He likely held these views himself, as he was living through those times. The ideas of European imperialism justified the ignorant ideas Europeans had of other countries. Although it was not necessarily an elitist position, Europeans did believe that their involvement was only beneficial to countries around them. Overall, Around the World in Eighty Days tells readers an enticing story of travel while also giving an authentic account of European
When readers are given a description of Miss Aouda the first things spoken of are her beauty and her English education. Verne states that she had a “thoroughly English” upbringing in the city and she was “truly transformed” by her English education. By using profound diction, Verne implies that Miss Aouda is only considered intelligent because of her English upbringing. Speaking and living an English lifestyle is not a direct measure of intelligence, yet the group admires her more for it. The view that a European education is somehow more valid was very present in the 19th century. During the age of European imperialism, missionaries would travel to other countries to spread language and religion.Europeans believed that foreign countries would only benefit from their involvement, even though this was not always the case. It was unlikely for people to believe that someone could be educated without European …show more content…
The way Verne goes about describing these interactions allows readers to understand European opinion at the time. Verne tends to outline other cultures in the story as eccentric and mystical. He likely held these views himself, as he was living through those times. The ideas of European imperialism justified the ignorant ideas Europeans had of other countries. Although it was not necessarily an elitist position, Europeans did believe that their involvement was only beneficial to countries around them. Overall, Around the World in Eighty Days tells readers an enticing story of travel while also giving an authentic account of European