Krakatit · Chapter
XX explained
Prokop wakes up in a hotel with a hangover, recalling the previous night's drunken escapades with Carson.
What happens
Prokop wakes up in a hotel with a hangover, recalling the previous night's drunken escapades with Carson. He is visited by Sir Reginald Carson, a distinguished English gentleman, who reveals that Thomas has informed him about Krakatit and its reaction to mysterious waves. Sir Reginald offers a business proposition, but Prokop is suspicious. The chapter ends with the arrival of the Carson from the previous night, causing confusion.
Themes in this chapter
Obsession and Madness
Prokop's drunken behavior and his obsession with the veiled lady, leading to shame and reckless actions.
Isolation and Alienation
Prokop's disorientation and shame after the night of drinking, feeling disconnected from his surroundings.
Characters to notice
- Engineer Prokop
Wakes with a hangover, recalls his drunken behavior, and is visited by Sir Reginald Carson.
- Mr. Carson
The Carson from the previous night, who brought Prokop to the hotel and later arrives at the hotel.
- George Thomas
Mentioned in Sir Reginald's letter as the colleague who informed him about Krakatit.
- Krakatit
The explosive substance that reacts to mysterious waves, central to the discussion.
Key passages
“Prokop woke up with a terribly heavy head and at first could not realize where exactly he was; he waited for the sound of the clucking of the chickens or the resonant barking of Honzik.”
Prokop woke up with a severe headache and was disoriented, expecting to hear the sounds of the farm at Tynice.
Shows Prokop's confusion and the contrast between his current situation and his past.
“In his ardour Prokop nearly fell out of the car; he was explaining his conception of the World Institute for Destructive Chemistry, Socialism, Marriage, the Education of Children and other nonsense.”
Prokop was so enthusiastic that he almost fell out of the car while talking about his ideas for a world institute and other topics.
Highlights Prokop's intoxication and grandiose ideas.
“Prokop studied his disfigured face in the glass with dark aversion.”
Prokop looked at his reflection with disgust, seeing the effects of his night of drinking.
Reflects Prokop's self-loathing and shame.