The Lost Continent · Chapter
Prefatory explained
The narrator and Dr.
What happens
The narrator and Dr. Coppinger discover a set of ancient wax-on-talc sheets in a cave on Grand Canary. Coppinger identifies the manuscript as Atlantean, written by Deucalion, and recognizes its immense historical value. The narrator later learns that Coppinger donated the find to the British Museum and provided a translation, leading to a dispute over ownership.
Themes in this chapter
Colonialism and Empire
The discovery and appropriation of the Atlantean manuscript by European explorers mirrors colonial attitudes toward indigenous artifacts.
Decay and Destruction
The manuscript's damaged state and the extinction of species and civilizations underscore themes of decay and loss.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The narrator discovers the manuscript with Coppinger and later corresponds with him about its ownership.
- Coppinger
Dr. Coppinger identifies the manuscript as Atlantean, translates it, and donates it to the British Museum.
- Deucalion
Revealed as the author of the manuscript, an Atlantean priest or general.
- Phorenice
Mentioned as the reigning Empress of Atlantis, possibly corresponding to Pyrrha.
Key passages
“The book was written by one Deucalion, who seems to have been a priest or general—or perhaps both—and he was an Atlantean.”
The manuscript's author is Deucalion, an Atlantean who may have served as both a priest and a general.
Establishes the author's identity and dual role.
“I made a mistake there. The author was not an Egyptian. It was the similarity of the inscribed character which misled me.”
Coppinger initially thought the script was Egyptian but later realized it was Atlantean.
Highlights the initial misinterpretation of the manuscript's origin.
“The swamping of the continent of Atlantis might very well correspond to the Flood.”
The destruction of Atlantis could be the historical basis for the Flood myth.
Connects the Atlantis story to biblical and mythological narratives.