# XXII: The Old Patriot explained — The Absolute at Large

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

## What happens

In the Prague office of the People's Journal, Cyril Keval and Mr. Rejzek discuss the chaotic state of the world, marked by religious and civil conflicts, sectarian violence, and absurd miracles. Keval reads a letter from an 'Old Patriot' who laments the division of the Czech nation and proposes a forced union under Orthodox faith. The chapter highlights the pervasive madness and fragmentation of society.

## Themes in this chapter

### Religious Conflict and War

The chapter is saturated with reports of religious wars, schisms, and armed clashes between sects, such as the Sparta vs. Slavia football match with hand-grenades and machine-guns.

### The Absurdity of Absolutes

Keval's inability to think of anything 'natural' and the Old Patriot's extreme proposal for forced religious unity highlight the absurdity of seeking absolute solutions in a chaotic world.

## Character check-ins

### Cyril Keval

Sits on a table, dangles his legs, and chatters about the latest religious and political conflicts, including a letter from an Old Patriot.

### Old Rejzek

Works silently, responding with 'Mhm' as he sorts through press bureau papers and listens to Keval's reports.

### G. H. Bondy

Mentioned as being interested in an American combine buying Pacific Islands, to the extent of one hundred and twenty millions.

### Father Novacek

Performs miracles in Tyl Square, raises the dead, and organizes the Maccabeans, a Catholic armed guard.

## Key lines

> I say, they're holding a meeting at Vaclavak... Some Communist's up there preaching voluntary poverty. He's haranguing the people, telling them they ought to be like the lilies of the field.

A Communist in Vaclavak Square is preaching voluntary poverty, urging people to live like the lilies of the field.

_Keval reports on a bizarre religious-like sermon from a Communist, blending political and religious themes._

> And we behold with anguish and sorrow the prospect of a new battle of Lipany, where Czech ranged against Czech under the cloak of different religious watchwords, will be left lying on the bloody field.

The Old Patriot fears a new battle of Lipany, with Czechs fighting Czechs under religious banners, leading to bloodshed.

_The Old Patriot's letter laments the division of the nation and warns of civil war._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_absolute_at_large_se/chapters/xxii-the-old-patriot
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_absolute_at_large_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_absolute_at_large_se/chapters