The Absolute at Large · Chapter
IX: The Ceremony explained
Cyril Keval, a reporter, attends the ceremonial opening of the new Central Karburator Electric Power Station in Prague.
What happens
Cyril Keval, a reporter, attends the ceremonial opening of the new Central Karburator Electric Power Station in Prague. Amidst the pomp and speeches, he observes the proceedings from outside, eventually witnessing a disturbing event inside the station that causes G. H. Bondy to flee in panic. The chapter ends with an official press release downplaying the incident.
Themes in this chapter
Technology and Religion
The Karburator ceremony takes on a quasi-religious tone, with the President pressing a lever like a priest, and the press later describing the event as a miracle and an act of worship.
Overproduction and Economic Collapse
The Karburator's immense power output symbolizes the overproduction of energy, hinting at potential instability and collapse.
Industrial Capitalism and Labor
The ceremony showcases the alliance between industrialists (Bondy), the state, and the military, while workers are heard cursing behind the scenes.
Characters to notice
- Cyril Keval
District reporter covering the ceremony; he witnesses the strange events inside the power station.
- G. H. Bondy
Chairman of the M.E.C., present at the ceremony; he flees in terror after the Karburator is activated.
- Mr. Cvancara
Old journalist from Venkov; skeptical of the ceremony and warns of possible incidents.
Key passages
““Well, my friend,” he said quietly to the young journalist, “it’s safe to bet on something happening today. I’ve never yet seen a function where there wasn’t some silly incident or other. And I’ve been at it now, young fellow, for forty years.””
Mr. Cvancara tells Keval that in his forty years of experience, no ceremony has ever gone off without some kind of mishap.
Cvancara's skepticism foreshadows the bizarre events that follow.
““Let me go,” shouted Bondy; and knocking Keval back with his fist, he disappeared among the trees.”
Bondy, pale and panicked, shoves Keval aside and runs away into the darkness.
Bondy's flight indicates that something terrifying has occurred inside the power station.
“Contrary to the reports issued by a local publication which have obtained some currency abroad, we are able to state on the very best authority that no improper incidents of any kind took place on the occasion of the formal opening of the Karburator Central Power Station.”
The official press release denies any wrongdoing at the ceremony, despite earlier rumors.
The government's denial highlights the absurdity and cover-up surrounding the event.