Explain why Nellie Bly decided to go around the world in 72 days in 1889?

In short (click here for detailed version)

Nellie Bly decided to travel around the world in 72 days in 1889 in an attempt to beat the fictional record of the character Phileas Fogg from Jules Verne's novel, 'Around the World in 80 Days', and to prove that women were capable of such feats.

Explain why Nellie Bly decided to go around the world in 72 days in 1889?
In detail, for those interested!

The personal challenge

Nellie Bly was a bold journalist, known for her hard-hitting investigative reports. In 1889, she decided to embark on a 72-day trip around the world, a challenge that few would have dared to take on at the time. This journey was more than just a journalistic adventure; it was a personal challenge to prove her determination and courage in the face of adversity. Setting off on this epic journey, she sought to push her own limits and assert herself in a world dominated by men. Setting off alone for such a journey was already a feat in itself, but doing so with the aim of beating the fictional record of literary hero Phileas Fogg was even more audacious. Her journey would become a true self-discovery, a way to show the world that a woman could succeed where many men would have failed. The personal challenge was the driving force that led her to undertake this incredible journey around the globe.

The record to beat

Nellie Bly learned that novelist Elizabeth Bisland was also embarking on a world tour to try to beat the record of Phileas Fogg, a fictional character who circumnavigated the globe in 80 days in Jules Verne's book "Around the World in Eighty Days". This information posed a challenge for Nellie Bly, who saw the opportunity to surpass this feat in less time. It strengthened her motivation to embark on this incredible adventure and to prove, at the same time, the ability of women to achieve extraordinary feats.

Investigative journalism

Nellie Bly completed her around-the-world journey in 72 days at a time when investigative journalism was gaining momentum. By the end of the 19th century, newspapers were seeking to attract a larger audience by publishing sensational articles and daring reports. The story of this journey around the world captivated readers with its adventurous nature and sensational aspect. Nellie Bly thus helped popularize investigative journalism by pushing the boundaries of what reporters were willing to undertake to obtain exclusive information. Her journey also demonstrated the ability of journalists to take on ambitious challenges and cover events of international significance.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1

What was the context of the time that prompted Nellie Bly to undertake this challenge?

Nellie Bly was a pioneering journalist known for her daring reporting. She decided to take on this challenge to prove that a woman could achieve a feat typically reserved for men.

2

How did Nellie Bly prepare for her trip around the world in 72 days?

Nellie Bly meticulously planned her itinerary based on the fictional record of Phileas Fogg from the famous novel 'Around the World in 80 Days', in order to beat it.

3

What was Nellie Bly's main objective in undertaking this express journey?

In addition to the personal challenge, Nellie Bly aimed to promote investigative journalism and draw attention to the travel conditions for women at that time.

4

What were the main obstacles faced by Nellie Bly during her 72-day trip around the world?

Nellie Bly had to deal with train delays, communication difficulties, and unexpected itinerary changes, putting her determination to the test.

5

What was the public's reaction to Nellie Bly's achievement?

Nellie Bly's feat captivated public opinion and strengthened her reputation as a fearless journalist, opening up new perspectives for women in journalism.

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