Krakatit · Chapter
XIX explained
Prokop and Carson discuss the theft of Krakatit and the mysterious secret waves.
What happens
Prokop and Carson discuss the theft of Krakatit and the mysterious secret waves. Carson reveals that Krakatit was stolen from his lab and that an unknown organization is using secret waves to communicate. He proposes that Prokop give up Krakatit and join him in tracking down Thomas, who is considered dangerous. Prokop, weakened and ill, reluctantly agrees.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
Prokop’s emotional peak is the violent collision between his declared resignation (“It’s the end”) and his inv…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Destructive Power of Science
The conversation highlights the potential for Krakatit to cause massive destruction, with Carson noting that pressing a button could cause explosions thousands of kilometers away.
- Power and Corruption
Carson describes Thomas as willing to sell Krakatit to the Devil, and the secret organization's use of unknown forces suggests a corrupting influence of power.
Characters to notice
- Engineer Prokop
Feverish and desperate, Prokop insists Krakatit must not be given up, but is physically weak and eventually agrees to Carson's plan.
- Mr. Carson
Carson reveals the theft of Krakatit and the existence of secret waves, and persuades Prokop to join him, offering money and a future.
Key passages
“Krakatit mustn't be given up. And Thomas—Thomas must be stopped.”
Prokop insists that Krakatit must be protected and that Thomas must be prevented from using it.
Prokop's determination to keep Krakatit out of dangerous hands.
“Mr. Thomas would sell Krakatit to the Devil himself if he paid him for it.”
Carson believes Thomas is so unscrupulous that he would sell Krakatit to anyone, even the Devil, for the right price.
Carson's assessment of Thomas's character.
