# XLVI explained — Krakatit

> Chapter companion for Krakatit by Karel Čapek.

## What happens

Prokop, devastated by the Princess's departure, wanders aimlessly until Mr. d'Hémon finds him and offers to drive him away. They stop at a hotel where Mr. d'Hémon, now calling himself Comrade Daimon, reveals his plan to use Prokop's Krakatit for world domination, offering him resources and an organization.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Corruption

Daimon's offer to Prokop represents the corrupting influence of power, as he tempts Prokop with resources and control over Krakatit.

### Isolation and Alienation

Prokop's despair and wandering after the Princess's departure highlight his isolation, both physically and emotionally.

## Character check-ins

### Engineer Prokop

Grieving the Princess's departure, he is physically and emotionally exhausted, eventually agreeing to go with Mr. d'Hémon.

### Mr. d'Hémon

Reveals himself as Comrade Daimon, offering Prokop a position in his secret organization and resources to use Krakatit.

### The Princess

Mentioned as having left early in the morning with Uncle Rohn, suffering from consumption, heading to Italy.

### George Thomas

Mentioned as being at the Powder Works in Grottup, but his experiments are failing.

## Key lines

> From now, I shall be for you simply … Comrade Daimon.

Daimon reveals his true identity to Prokop, indicating a shift in their relationship.

_Daimon's introduction marks the beginning of his recruitment of Prokop._

> You have in your possession a means by which we can overcome all the powers of the earth.

Daimon emphasizes the immense power Prokop holds with Krakatit.

_Daimon's pitch focuses on the potential for world domination._

> I should like to go … to Italy.

Prokop expresses a desire to follow the Princess to Italy.

_Prokop's motivation is still tied to the Princess, even as he agrees to go with Daimon._

## Links

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