The human ego is a blessed curse, it has led to horrendous disasters and incredible feats. In the novel Around the world in 80 days, the protagonist Phileas Fogg is in truth a conceited narcissist who travels the world to bolster his own ego. He exemplifies classic narcissistic traits, a sense of superiority, the need to prove his supremacy, and the manipulation of others.
Phileas Fogg has “excessive feelings of self-importance”, a symptom of narcissistic personality disorder, which manifests into a racist and elitist mindset (Berger). He often ignores less advanced societies and rarely steps off his luxury steamers and train carts. After his British steamer’s arrival in Egypt, “He sat down quietly to breakfast in his cabin, never once thinking …show more content…
Fogg would rather sit in his cabin, then walk amongst the natives and servants in the streets. The character sees the stop in Egypt as an obstacle, and would rather be speeding towards his next breakfast destination. He pays for luxury transportation around the globe and would not waste a thought on colonial territories. During the journey around the world, Fogg manages to engage with no more than five foreigners. Never immersing himself into any foreign cultures. While crossing the Indian subcontinent, Fogg speaks to three Indians, an avarice owner of an elephant, a guide Fogg paid to control the elephant (54), and a young woman named Aouda, whom they rescued from being sacrificed with her dead husband (70). Fogg successfully navigates through India all without acknowledging the beauty of the land nor its people. Surprisingly, Aouda is the only named Indian in the entire novel, and the author does not fail to mention Aouda’s Caucasian beauty and …show more content…
According to experts, “Narcissists value admiration and superiority more than being liked and accepted” (Rhodewalt). In England, Fogg always kept to himself and treated his servants coldly (8-10). He never sought the affection of his peers nor his servants. Preferring admiration, respect and obedience. Passpartout, Fogg’s manservant is his most fervent follower. Addresses Fogg as his master (91), and “never exhausted his eulogies of Phileas Fogg’s honesty, generosity and devotion”. Aouda sees Fogg as her courageous protector (206), what she does not know is Fogg rescued her because he had the time (154), he also failed to mention Passpartout was the one risked his life to liberate Aouda yet Fogg takes all the credit. Nevertheless, Aouda treats him as her saviour, never leaving his side. According to research, “a range of studies suggest a picture of the narcissists as people who use their friends to feel good about themselves. They pander for attention and admiration to support self-images that are positive” (Rhodewalt). Fogg likes to keep people around him who are not shy about praising him. As it boosts his image of himself, making him feel good. He keeps a servant around, not only for convenience, but to have someone to order around and feel superior to at all time. Fogg has never had an intimate conversation with his servant during the 80 days of service, only
Phileas Fogg has “excessive feelings of self-importance”, a symptom of narcissistic personality disorder, which manifests into a racist and elitist mindset (Berger). He often ignores less advanced societies and rarely steps off his luxury steamers and train carts. After his British steamer’s arrival in Egypt, “He sat down quietly to breakfast in his cabin, never once thinking …show more content…
Fogg would rather sit in his cabin, then walk amongst the natives and servants in the streets. The character sees the stop in Egypt as an obstacle, and would rather be speeding towards his next breakfast destination. He pays for luxury transportation around the globe and would not waste a thought on colonial territories. During the journey around the world, Fogg manages to engage with no more than five foreigners. Never immersing himself into any foreign cultures. While crossing the Indian subcontinent, Fogg speaks to three Indians, an avarice owner of an elephant, a guide Fogg paid to control the elephant (54), and a young woman named Aouda, whom they rescued from being sacrificed with her dead husband (70). Fogg successfully navigates through India all without acknowledging the beauty of the land nor its people. Surprisingly, Aouda is the only named Indian in the entire novel, and the author does not fail to mention Aouda’s Caucasian beauty and …show more content…
According to experts, “Narcissists value admiration and superiority more than being liked and accepted” (Rhodewalt). In England, Fogg always kept to himself and treated his servants coldly (8-10). He never sought the affection of his peers nor his servants. Preferring admiration, respect and obedience. Passpartout, Fogg’s manservant is his most fervent follower. Addresses Fogg as his master (91), and “never exhausted his eulogies of Phileas Fogg’s honesty, generosity and devotion”. Aouda sees Fogg as her courageous protector (206), what she does not know is Fogg rescued her because he had the time (154), he also failed to mention Passpartout was the one risked his life to liberate Aouda yet Fogg takes all the credit. Nevertheless, Aouda treats him as her saviour, never leaving his side. According to research, “a range of studies suggest a picture of the narcissists as people who use their friends to feel good about themselves. They pander for attention and admiration to support self-images that are positive” (Rhodewalt). Fogg likes to keep people around him who are not shy about praising him. As it boosts his image of himself, making him feel good. He keeps a servant around, not only for convenience, but to have someone to order around and feel superior to at all time. Fogg has never had an intimate conversation with his servant during the 80 days of service, only