# II explained — Krakatit

> Chapter companion for Krakatit by Karel Čapek.

## What happens

Prokop, feverish and disoriented, is brought by Thomas to his flat. Thomas cares for him, and Prokop, in a delirious state, rambles about his explosive discoveries and atomic theories. Thomas, struggling financially, listens and tends to him as Prokop falls into a feverish sleep.

## Themes in this chapter

### Obsession and Madness

Prokop's feverish ramblings reveal his obsessive fixation on explosives and atomic power, bordering on madness.

### Destructive Power of Science

Prokop's talk of atomic explosions and destructive chemistry highlights the theme of science's potential for destruction.

## Character check-ins

### Engineer Prokop

Delirious with fever, rambles about his explosive discoveries and atomic theories.

### George Thomas

Brings Prokop to his flat, cares for him, and listens to his feverish talk.

## Key lines

> The first thing of which Prokop was conscious was that everything in him was being shaken and rattled and that someone was holding him firmly round the waist.

Prokop's first awareness is of being jostled and held tightly.

_Opening scene showing Prokop's disorientation._

> I feel the vibration of the atoms. Just like ants. Each kind of substance creeps differently, see?

Prokop claims to sense atomic vibrations, comparing them to ants.

_Prokop's feverish scientific delusion._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/krakatit_se/chapters/ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/krakatit_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/krakatit_se/chapters