# XIV explained — The Special Correspondent > Chapter companion for The Special Correspondent by Jules Verne. ## What happens The train stops at Tashkent and Khodjend, where Claudius observes the dual Russian-native towns, the fair, and the local customs. He reflects on Kinko's secret romance, enjoys dinner with the Caternas and Pan-Chao, and notes the growing intimacy between Ephrinell and Miss Horatia Bluett. Major Noltitz inquires about the mandarin Yen Lou. ## Themes in this chapter ### Travel and Adventure Claudius explores Tashkent and Khodjend, observing the dual cities and the railway journey through Turkestan. ### Cultural Diversity and Ethnography Description of the diverse population in Tashkent (Sarthes, Usbegs, Tadjiks, Jews, etc.) and the customs regarding women's rights. ### Commerce and Enterprise The fair at Tashkent, the concentration of merchants, and the economic progress brought by the railway. ## Character check-ins ### Claudius Bombarnac Narrator and reporter; visits Tashkent and Khodjend, thinks of Kinko, and dines with fellow travelers. ### Major Noltitz Travels with Claudius; asks Pan-Chao about mandarin Yen Lou. ### Monsieur Caterna Actor; performs the 'Obsession' after dinner and praises the peaches at Khodjend. ### Caroline Caterna Madame Caterna; enjoys the peaches and supports her husband's performance. ### Pan-Chao Young Chinese traveler; compliments Caterna's performance and is questioned by Major Noltitz about Yen Lou. ### Fulk Ephrinell American traveler; sits with Miss Horatia Bluett, hinting at a possible wedding. ### Miss Horatia Bluett Traveling with Ephrinell; their intimacy suggests a future marriage. ### Kinko Hidden in the baggage van; Claudius thinks of his love for Zinca Klork and plans to bring him provisions. ## Key lines > In 1870 the Russians endeavored without success to establish a fair at Tashkent which would rival that at Nijni-Novgorod. Some twenty years later the attempt would have succeeded, and as a matter of fact the fair now exists, owing to the making of the Transcaspian to unite Samarkand and Tashkent. The Russians failed to set up a major fair in Tashkent in 1870, but later succeeded thanks to the Transcaspian Railway linking Samarkand and Tashkent. _Historical context of the fair's development._ > An old Turkoman,” said Major Noltitz, “once told me that a husband’s power is at an end now that he cannot thrash his wife without being threatened with an appeal to the czar; and that marriage is at an end! Major Noltitz recounts a Turkoman's complaint that husbands can no longer beat their wives without fear of the czar, signaling the end of traditional marriage. _Reflects changing gender roles under Russian rule._ > I have only two hours to spare in visiting the town, and I do my work in true reporter style. You should have seen me dashing through the grand bazaar, a mere wooden building, which is crammed with Oriental stuffs, silk goods, metal ware, specimens of Chinese manufacture, including some very fine examples of porcelain. Claudius quickly tours Tashkent's grand bazaar, noting its rich array of Oriental and Chinese goods. _Reporter's brisk observation of local commerce._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_special_correspondent_se/chapters/xiv - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_special_correspondent_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_special_correspondent_se/chapters