# He Is a Perfectly Impossible Person explained — The Lost World

> Chapter companion for The Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle.

## What happens

Malone receives a brusque and condescending letter from Professor Challenger, granting him an interview. Upon arriving at Challenger's home, Malone is warned by Mrs. Challenger that her husband is a 'perfectly impossible person' and is dangerous when discussing South America. During the interview, Challenger quickly sees through Malone's disguise as a scientific inquirer and exposes him as a journalist. A physical altercation ensues, ending with both men tumbling out of the house and being separated by a policeman.

## Themes in this chapter

### Truth and Deception

Malone's deception as a scientific inquirer is quickly uncovered by Challenger, highlighting the theme of truth versus falsehood in personal and professional interactions.

### Masculinity and Gender Roles

The physical confrontation between Malone and Challenger underscores a Victorian ideal of masculine aggression and physical prowess, with both men asserting dominance through violence.

## Character check-ins

### E. D. Malone

Visits Professor Challenger under false pretenses as a scientific inquirer, but is exposed and physically attacked.

### Professor G. E. Challenger

Hosts Malone, quickly sees through his deception, and physically assaults him, demonstrating his volatile and domineering nature.

### Tarp Henry

Malone reads Challenger's letter aloud to him; he makes a humorous remark about arnica.

### Austin

The taciturn chauffeur who opens the door and later throws open the hall door during the scuffle.

### Gladys

Mentioned indirectly as 'Lake Gladys' in the context of Malone's earlier proposal, but not present in this chapter.

## Key lines

> I must tell you that he is a perfectly impossible person⁠—absolutely impossible.

Mrs. Challenger warns Malone that her husband is extremely difficult and unpredictable.

_This sets the tone for Malone's encounter with the volatile Professor._

> It proves that you are the damnedest imposter in London⁠—a vile, crawling journalist, who has no more science than he has decency in his composition!

Challenger exposes Malone's true identity as a journalist, accusing him of being a deceitful and unscientific fraud.

_This marks the climax of the interview, where Challenger's suspicion turns to outright accusation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lost_world_se/chapters/iii-he-is-a-perfectly-impossible-person
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lost_world_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lost_world_se/chapters