Krakatit · Chapter
XVIII explained
Prokop and Carson discuss the mysterious explosions of Krakatit, which occur regularly on Tuesdays and Fridays at half-past ten.
What happens
Prokop and Carson discuss the mysterious explosions of Krakatit, which occur regularly on Tuesdays and Fridays at half-past ten. Carson reveals that these explosions coincide with disturbances in wireless communications worldwide, and they suspect Thomas's involvement. Prokop becomes increasingly agitated about the potential destructive power of Krakatit.
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 discussion of Krakatit's explosive potential and its ability to destroy entire towns highlights the theme of science's destructive capabilities.
- Obsession and Madness
Prokop's intense reaction and fixation on the explosive nature of Krakatit, coupled with Carson's fascination, underscores the theme of obsession.
Characters to notice
- Engineer Prokop
Agitated and horrified by the implications of Krakatit's explosive nature, he realizes the catastrophic potential of the substance.
- Mr. Carson
Calmly analyzes the pattern of explosions and disturbances, deducing a connection to Thomas's experiments.
- George Thomas
Mentioned as the one who might know how to prepare Krakatit, and who had a high frequency generator installed.
Key passages
“if one were to sprinkle some Krakatit about here, let us say or simply about the place.”
Prokop suggests the idea of scattering Krakatit around to cause explosions.
Highlights Prokop's realization of Krakatit's destructive potential.
“It also explodes on Fridays, about half-past ten. On Tuesdays and Fridays. We tested it.”
Carson reveals that Krakatit explodes regularly on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:30 PM, based on their experiments.
Establishes the pattern of explosions and the connection to wireless disturbances.
