# XXIII explained — The Special Correspondent

> Chapter companion for The Special Correspondent by Jules Verne.

## What happens

The train arrives at Lan-Tcheou, where the governor inspects the treasure van. Claudius and his companions explore the city, visiting a pagoda, cannon foundry, and the governor's house. A storm provides cover for Claudius to visit Kinko, who asks for his help in delivering the box to Zinca Klork. The chapter highlights cultural observations about Chinese attitudes toward time and progress.

## Themes in this chapter

### Travel and Adventure

The exploration of Lan-Tcheou and the stormy night journey highlight the adventurous nature of the journey.

### Cultural Diversity and Ethnography

Observations of Chinese customs, architecture, and the philosophical discussion about time and progress.

### Danger and Heroism

The governor praises Faruskiar for his courage in defending the treasure from Ki-Tsang's attack.

## Character check-ins

### Claudius Bombarnac

Narrator and reporter; explores Lan-Tcheou and assists Kinko.

### Pan-Chao

Translates the governor's praise; discusses Chinese philosophy of time with Claudius.

### Kinko

Hides in the train; Claudius brings him provisions and agrees to help with the box.

### Faruskiar

Receives praise from the governor for defending the treasure; appears impatient.

### Major Noltitz

Comments on the baron's travel plans; joins the exploration of Lan-Tcheou.

### Monsieur Caterna

Actor; jokes about the baron missing the boat and the storm.

### Madame Caterna

Actress; becomes seasick on the bridge and is horrified by the cages of criminals' heads.

### Fulk Ephrinell

Makes business calls in Lan-Tcheou; sits silently with his wife at dinner.

## Key lines

> Speed is a gain of time—and to gain time—

Claudius argues that speed saves time, which is valuable.

_Claudius expresses a Western perspective on efficiency._

> Time does not exist in China, Monsieur Bombarnac, and it cannot exist for a population of four hundred millions.

Pan-Chao explains that the Chinese do not measure time in the same way as Westerners.

_Highlights cultural differences in the perception of time._

> To be practical is to be the slave of time, work, money, business, the world, everybody else, and one's self included.

Pan-Chao criticizes the Western obsession with practicality.

_Reflects a philosophical contrast between Eastern and Western values._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_special_correspondent_se/chapters/xxiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_special_correspondent_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_special_correspondent_se/chapters