Around the World in 80 Days: genre

Genre Analysis

“Around the World in 80 Days” is fundamentally an adventure story, part of the broader category of Victorian literature. This period is recognised for its enthusiasm for exploration, scientific discovery, and progressive thinking.
This piece belongs to the expeditionary novel genre. It discusses a person or group’s travel to multiple places, confronting trials and living through challenges on their trip, displaying physical bravery and intellectual ingenuity.
This story can also be categorised under travelogue literature due to its comprehensive details about various geographical locations. The vivid depictions offer readers a glimpse of the grandeur of world travel during the Victorian era.

The book incorporates elements of science fiction and speculative fiction due to its mention of advanced technologies and modes of transport that were improbable when it was published.
To make the journey more captivating and maintain the readers’ interest, it applies a comedic element. The humour usually originates from cultural misunderstandings between the characters during their travels.
Included within the narrative is a romance subplot. The romantic angle is not the centrepiece but lends an emotional complexity to the story.

The narrative format of “Around the World in 80 Days” is direct, moving in chronological order from the start of Phileas Fogg’s journey to the conclusion, documenting the obstacles and victories he confronts along the path.
Lastly, the genre can be regarded as didactic literature as it intends to communicate moral lessons and positive values such as courage, resolve, friendship, and the significance of keeping one’s promise.