# X: Saint Ellen explained — The Absolute at Large

> Chapter companion for The Absolute at Large by Karel Čapek.

## What happens

G. H. Bondy reflects on the economic chaos caused by the Karburator, which produces the Absolute and leads to overproduction, religious strikes, and industrial collapse. He encounters Ellen, now a thought-reader due to her connection with the Absolute, and argues that marriage and society are impossible without hidden thoughts. He calls her 'Saint Ellen' and urges her not to marry, then departs.

## Themes in this chapter

### Overproduction and Economic Collapse

The Karburator causes insane overproduction, crashing prices, and industrial ruin, as seen in textile factories and banks.

### Technology and Religion

The Karburator, a technological device, unleashes the Absolute, leading to religious phenomena like thought-reading and strikes.

### Human Nature and Morality

Bondy argues that hidden thoughts are essential for society and marriage, while Ellen's thought-reading exposes human baseness.

## Character check-ins

### G. H. Bondy

Wanders Prague, contemplates the economic ruin caused by the Karburator, and confronts Ellen about thought-reading.

### Ellen

Now called 'Saint Ellen,' she can read thoughts due to the Absolute; she invites Bondy to join her religious community.

## Key lines

> It was simply impossible to bring God to earth without a confounded lot coming of it.

Bondy reflects that introducing God into the world inevitably causes chaos.

_Bondy's realization of the disastrous consequences of the Karburator._

> A little illusion is the only bond between mortals that never breaks.

Bondy tells Ellen that mutual deception is essential for human relationships.

_Bondy's argument against thought-reading in marriage._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_absolute_at_large_se/chapters/x-saint-ellen
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_absolute_at_large_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_absolute_at_large_se/chapters