The Lost World · Chapter
He Is a Perfectly Impossible Person explained
Malone receives a brusque and condescending letter from Professor Challenger, granting him an interview.
What happens
Malone receives a brusque and condescending letter from Professor Challenger, granting him an interview. Upon arriving at Challenger's home, Malone is warned by Mrs. Challenger that her husband is a 'perfectly impossible person' and is dangerous when discussing South America. During the interview, Challenger quickly sees through Malone's disguise as a scientific inquirer and exposes him as a journalist. A physical altercation ensues, ending with both men tumbling out of the house and being separated by a policeman.
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
This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of the narrator's pr…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Truth and Deception
Malone's deception as a scientific inquirer is quickly uncovered by Challenger, highlighting the theme of truth versus falsehood in personal and professional interactions.
- Masculinity and Gender Roles
The physical confrontation between Malone and Challenger underscores a Victorian ideal of masculine aggression and physical prowess, with both men asserting dominance through violence.
Characters to notice
- E. D. Malone
Visits Professor Challenger under false pretenses as a scientific inquirer, but is exposed and physically attacked.
- Professor G. E. Challenger
Hosts Malone, quickly sees through his deception, and physically assaults him, demonstrating his volatile and domineering nature.
- Tarp Henry
Malone reads Challenger's letter aloud to him; he makes a humorous remark about arnica.
- Austin
The taciturn chauffeur who opens the door and later throws open the hall door during the scuffle.
- Gladys
Mentioned indirectly as 'Lake Gladys' in the context of Malone's earlier proposal, but not present in this chapter.
Key passages
“I must tell you that he is a perfectly impossible person—absolutely impossible.”
Mrs. Challenger warns Malone that her husband is extremely difficult and unpredictable.
This sets the tone for Malone's encounter with the volatile Professor.
“It proves that you are the damnedest imposter in London—a vile, crawling journalist, who has no more science than he has decency in his composition!”
Challenger exposes Malone's true identity as a journalist, accusing him of being a deceitful and unscientific fraud.
This marks the climax of the interview, where Challenger's suspicion turns to outright accusation.
