# XLVII explained — Krakatit

> Chapter companion for Krakatit by Karel Čapek.

## What happens

Daimon persuades Prokop to embrace his immense power, arguing that with Krakatit and the wireless station he can dominate the world. He urges Prokop to act without hesitation, to ignore conventional morality, and to see the world as his laboratory. Daimon offers to make Prokop president of the Intelligence Commission and warns him to trust no one, not even himself.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Corruption

Daimon's speech embodies the corrupting influence of absolute power, urging Prokop to disregard human life and conventional morality in pursuit of his goals.

### Destructive Power of Science

The chapter centers on the terrifying potential of Krakatit and the wireless station to destroy nations and reshape the world, highlighting the destructive capacity of scientific advancement.

### Isolation and Alienation

Daimon insists that Prokop must be alone, without advisors or boundaries, to fully exercise his power, isolating him from human connection and moral guidance.

## Character check-ins

### Engineer Prokop

Prokop is the reluctant holder of immense destructive power, tempted by Daimon's rhetoric but suspicious of his motives.

### Comrade Daimon

Daimon acts as the tempter, urging Prokop to use his power for world domination and offering to make him president of the Intelligence Commission.

## Key lines

> You will be able to conquer the world with a handful of people, as Cortez conquered Mexico.

With a small group, you can achieve what Cortez did, but on a global scale.

_Daimon compares Prokop's potential to historical conquest, emphasizing the unprecedented scale of his power._

> You are the first man in the world who can regard the whole world as his laboratory.

You are the first person who can treat the entire world as a place for experimentation.

_Daimon frames Prokop's power as a scientific opportunity, reinforcing the theme of science's destructive potential._

> Don’t look for analogies in history. Don’t ask yourself what you may do; your situation is unprecedented.

Do not seek historical parallels or question your limits; your position is without precedent.

_Daimon urges Prokop to abandon conventional thinking and embrace his unique, unconstrained power._

## Links

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