# XXVIII explained — Krakatit

> Chapter companion for Krakatit by Karel Čapek.

## What happens

Prokop, recovering from his leg injury under the care of a distinguished surgeon, spends lazy days being read to by Krafft and Mr. Paul, and dictating a work on destructive chemistry. He develops a peculiar sensitivity to the explosive potential of objects and people, and becomes fascinated by the Princess, who tests his abilities by letting him touch her hand. He reads her character, calling her wicked and explosive, which leads to a tense interaction. Later, Prince Rohn (Mon Oncle Charles) visits and befriends Prokop, sharing anecdotes about the Princess. Prokop returns to the laboratory, avoiding talk of Krakatit. At a soirée, he feels ignored by the Princess, but she eventually approaches him, and they have a strained conversation about explosives and her character. The next morning, she sends him a box of brownish powder with a penetrating scent.

## Themes in this chapter

### Obsession and Madness

Prokop's fixation on explosive potential and his intense reaction to the Princess's touch.

### Love and Sacrifice

The Princess's past act of wanting to sacrifice her skin for a nurse, and the complex dynamics between her and Prokop.

### Power and Corruption

The Princess's haughty demeanor and the explosive power she embodies, reflecting themes of control and dominance.

## Character check-ins

### Engineer Prokop

Recovering from leg injury, develops explosive sensitivity, interacts with Princess and others.

### The Princess

Tests Prokop's abilities, sends him a box of powder.

### Mr. Carson

Prokop becomes fond of him; introduces Prokop at soirée.

### Dr. Krafft

Reads Swedenborg to Prokop.

### Mr. Paul

Devoted to Prokop, wheels him around, brings the powder box.

### Mon Oncle Charles

Visits, befriends Prokop, shares anecdotes about the Princess.

## Key lines

> You lie encased in matter, like the stump of a tree; but can you not feel the crepitation of terrible and unknown forces in that inert matter which binds you?

Prokop feels that even seemingly inert matter is charged with explosive potential.

_Reflects Prokop's heightened sensitivity to explosive forces._

> Virginal, unfeeling, libidinous, proud and capable of violent anger—inflammable as tinder—and wicked.

Prokop describes the Princess as having a volatile and contradictory nature.

_Prokop's reading of the Princess's character._

> A girl who wants to sacrifice her skin … for an old woman.

Prokop references the Princess's past willingness to give her skin for a nurse.

_Highlights the Princess's capacity for sacrifice._

## Links

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