# XVIII explained — Krakatit

> Chapter companion for Krakatit by Karel Čapek.

## What happens

Prokop and Carson discuss the mysterious explosions of Krakatit, which occur regularly on Tuesdays and Fridays at half-past ten. Carson reveals that these explosions coincide with disturbances in wireless communications worldwide, and they suspect Thomas's involvement. Prokop becomes increasingly agitated about the potential destructive power of Krakatit.

## Themes in this chapter

### Destructive Power of Science

The discussion of Krakatit's explosive potential and its ability to destroy entire towns highlights the theme of science's destructive capabilities.

### Obsession and Madness

Prokop's intense reaction and fixation on the explosive nature of Krakatit, coupled with Carson's fascination, underscores the theme of obsession.

## Character check-ins

### Engineer Prokop

Agitated and horrified by the implications of Krakatit's explosive nature, he realizes the catastrophic potential of the substance.

### Mr. Carson

Calmly analyzes the pattern of explosions and disturbances, deducing a connection to Thomas's experiments.

### George Thomas

Mentioned as the one who might know how to prepare Krakatit, and who had a high frequency generator installed.

## Key lines

> if one were to sprinkle some Krakatit about here, let us say or simply about the place.

Prokop suggests the idea of scattering Krakatit around to cause explosions.

_Highlights Prokop's realization of Krakatit's destructive potential._

> It also explodes on Fridays, about half-past ten. On Tuesdays and Fridays. We tested it.

Carson reveals that Krakatit explodes regularly on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:30 PM, based on their experiments.

_Establishes the pattern of explosions and the connection to wireless disturbances._

## Links

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