When it comes to Jules Verne’s characters there is one particular whose vivacity has always seemed to me especially prominent and which drew my attention the most. It is Jean Passepartout from the famous novel “Around the World in Eighty Days” that I mean. Whereas it is questionable, whether we should (and could) mark particular characters as “positive” or “negative”, Passepartout seems to me to be quite close to the former. First of all, he is authentic. Real people do have foibles: even the kindest express anger from time to time, even the most evil ones have a lot to be respected for. And so is the Verne’s character. Notwithstanding the purely positive traits that will be listed below, he is erroneous at times. His decision not to unveil the Detective Fix’s following the travelers, his clumsiness, and forgetfulness are small things that make him human. And this is what evokes sympathy in readers. Being tricked by getting drugged up in an opium den is something one does not expect from a gentleman’s assistant in a novel.

But whilst appearing ridiculous Passepartout is a loyal companion. He cares for his patron’s feelings (which is the reason not to disclose Fix’s identity), he takes up any challenge Mr. Fogg faces. Though not always clever the valet is never lagging behind passively. It is he who rescues Fogg’s future love – a beautiful Indian woman named Aouda. It is he who manages to uncouple the railcars to save the people (when in America). And the trait that is – to my mind – the most important in him as a “positive” character is his unmatched alacrity. The situations Passepartout manages to get entangled in are sometimes unbelievable, but he always gets away with everything. It is a character that is always on the move, he possesses a rare level of liveliness that is both hilarious and worth being respected for. One episode in particular: when he dresses up as a clown and performs in a circus to get to the United States. It takes courage and ingenuity to venture and take chances in such a win-or-lose situation. I would say he is a person who can wear many hats and has the guts to really “wear” them all when necessary. And fate pays him back for his bravery since he always manages to catch up with his patron in spite of all obstacles and challenges.

All in all, Jean Passepartout appears to me a character of liking for many reasons. His vibrant persona is contagious with laughter, positivity, and deep sympathy most of the time. Smart and nimble, he is never afraid, but rather always optimistic. He is the opposite of his master – the main character. Quite contrarily he is active and fervent, closer to a so-called “trickster”. Hardly is it possible to be just like him in real life, but it seems to me that Passepartout with all his personality at hand might be a perfect reference for many Jules Verne’s readers – both young and old.

Юровских Арина,

студентка Псковского медицинского колледжа

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