The Story of the Amulet · Chapter
Atlantis explained
The children discuss their adventures in the Past and decide to visit Atlantis, taking the learned gentleman with them as a change of scene.
What happens
The children discuss their adventures in the Past and decide to visit Atlantis, taking the learned gentleman with them as a change of scene. They travel via the Amulet to the lost continent, where they explore a magnificent city of marble and gold, encounter public baths, and witness a bull-catching ritual in the Temple of Poseidon.
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 Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This scene marks the dramatic climax because Cyril articulates the central crisis—that searching the Past for…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Magic and the Ordinary
The Amulet's power transports the children and the learned gentleman to Atlantis, blending magical travel with everyday concerns like a holiday and a change of scene.
- Friendship and Cooperation
The children work together to plan the journey, include the learned gentleman, and navigate the Atlantean city, showing mutual support.
Characters to notice
- Anthea
Suggests taking the learned gentleman to Atlantis; leads the group through the Amulet.
- Cyril
Injured during a statue game; agrees to visit Atlantis; pushes the learned gentleman through the Amulet arch.
- Robert
Hurt his thumb in the statue game; reluctant about Egypt and Babylon; comments on the Atlantean boys playing conkers.
- Jane
Wants to see Egyptian cats; holds up the Amulet for the journey; remarks on the visitor's friendliness.
- The Psammead
Brought up in its bag but protests being taken to Atlantis.
- Ji-jimmy
The learned gentleman; accompanies the children to Atlantis, believing it a dream; referred to as 'High Ji-jimmy' by the Atlanteans.
Key passages
“You see a doctor, old boy; all that about thought-transference is just simply twaddle. You've been overworking. Take a holiday. Go to Dieppe.”
The visitor advises the learned gentleman to see a doctor and take a holiday, dismissing thought-transference as nonsense.
The visitor's suggestion prompts the children to take the learned gentleman to Atlantis as a change of scene.
“To know that you are dreaming shows that the dream is nearly at an end.”
The learned gentleman rationalizes the children's invitation as part of a dream, indicating his disbelief.
Highlights the learned gentleman's initial skepticism about the magical journey.
