Jules Verne’s around the world in 80 days teacher christian novel unit is a timeless adventure novel that captivates readers with its thrilling journey and engaging characters. However, beyond the excitement of Phileas Fogg’s quest to circumnavigate the globe in record time, the novel also offers valuable lessons from a Christian perspective. For educators looking to incorporate Christian themes into their teaching, this novel is an excellent choice. Below, we’ll explore how teachers can use Around the World in 80 Days as a Christian novel unit in their classrooms.
Introduction to “Around the World in 80 Days”
Around the World in 80 Days tells the story of Phileas Fogg, an English gentleman who makes a daring wager to travel around the world in 80 days. Accompanied by his loyal servant Passepartout, Fogg embarks on a whirlwind journey filled with obstacles, adventure, and unexpected surprises. Along the way, the novel explores themes of perseverance, trust, and cultural exchange, while also touching on Christian values such as faith, providence, and divine intervention.
Christian Themes in “Around the World in 80 Days”
One of the most compelling aspects of Around the World in 80 Days is its subtle yet significant exploration of Christian themes. Throughout the novel, readers can find instances where characters’ actions and decisions reflect Christian morals, values, and divine influence.
- Faith and Providence: Phileas Fogg’s journey is not just a physical one; it also mirrors a journey of faith. At various points, Fogg’s determination and reliance on his own skills are tested, but it’s his trust in something greater, whether divine guidance or the unfolding of events, that leads him to his destination. This theme can prompt discussions about the role of providence in our own lives.
- Moral Lessons: The novel is filled with moments where characters make decisions that reveal their integrity and moral compass. Fogg’s commitment to keeping his promise to complete the journey in 80 days, regardless of the obstacles, teaches lessons about perseverance, commitment, and responsibility.
Educational Value for Teachers
Teachers can greatly benefit from introducing Around the World in 80 Days into their classrooms, especially when focusing on its Christian elements. The novel offers educational value in several key areas:
- Geography and Cultural Awareness: As Phileas Fogg travels to different parts of the world, readers are introduced to various cultures and landscapes. This offers teachers an opportunity to integrate lessons on geography, world cultures, and global awareness while maintaining a Christian perspective.
- Critical Thinking and Reading Comprehension: By examining Fogg’s decisions and actions through the lens of Christian principles, students can develop critical thinking skills and improve their ability to analyze literature from multiple perspectives. Teachers can encourage students to discuss the ethical and spiritual dimensions of the novel’s plot.
- Christian Worldview: The novel provides a platform for exploring how Christian beliefs can influence decisions and shape outcomes in life’s journey. Teachers can guide students in reflecting on how Fogg’s actions align with Christian teachings about responsibility, faith, and forgiveness.
Unit Plan: “Around the World in 80 Days”
A well-structured unit plan can help teachers effectively incorporate Around the World in 80 Days into their classroom. Here is a sample unit plan that focuses on Christian themes:
Lesson 1: Introduction to the Novel and Setting the Context
- Begin with an introduction to Jules Verne, the historical context of the novel, and the concept of world exploration during the 19th century.
- Discuss the character traits of Phileas Fogg and Passepartout, emphasizing Fogg’s disciplined nature and Passepartout’s loyalty.
- Introduce Christian themes and values such as trust, morality, and providence.
Lesson 2: Understanding Christian Morality in the Novel
- Examine moments where Fogg’s decisions are influenced by his moral code, such as his resolve to finish the journey despite setbacks.
- Encourage students to discuss how Fogg’s journey can be compared to a Christian’s spiritual journey, full of trials and moral decisions.
Lesson 3: Geography and Cultural Awareness
- Use the novel to explore the countries and cultures that Fogg visits, from India to America. Discuss how these cultures are represented and what lessons can be learned from them.
- Discuss the theme of global unity and diversity, highlighting how Christian values of love and understanding apply to cross-cultural interactions.
Lesson 4: The Role of Providence in the Story
- Focus on instances where events seem to unfold according to fate or divine intervention (e.g., the rescue of Aouda and Fogg’s unexpected return to London).
- Lead a discussion on how these moments reflect Christian beliefs in providence and how God may guide us in unexpected ways.
Lesson 5: The Resolution and Christian Lessons Learned
- Analyze the resolution of the novel and discuss what Fogg learns about himself and the world.
- Relate Fogg’s final realization of love and faith to Christian themes of redemption and the power of love.
Christian-Based Activities and Assessments
To deepen students’ understanding of the Christian themes in Around the World in 80 Days, teachers can assign a variety of creative and reflective activities:
- Creative Writing Assignment: Ask students to write a short essay or story exploring Phileas Fogg’s journey from a Christian perspective. How might his faith have influenced his actions along the way?
- Group Project: Assign a project where students map Fogg’s travels and reflect on how the places he visits align with Christian teachings about cultural understanding and unity.
- Reflection Paper: Have students write a reflection paper discussing how the novel’s themes of perseverance, faith, and redemption apply to their own lives and spiritual journeys.
Conclusion
Incorporating around the world in 80 days teacher christian novel unit into the classroom offers an excellent opportunity for teachers to explore Christian themes in literature. By focusing on the moral and spiritual lessons embedded in the novel, students can develop a deeper understanding of faith, perseverance, and divine intervention. This approach not only enriches students’ reading experience but also encourages them to reflect on how Christian values can shape their own journeys in life.
Through thoughtful lessons, discussions, and activities, educators can guide students in discovering the timeless wisdom contained in Jules Verne’s adventure, all while promoting a Christian worldview that can inspire and educate young minds.