The Absolute at Large by Karel Čapek

Name: The Absolute at Large
Author: Karel Čapek

"The Absolute at Large" by Karel Čapek follows G. H. Bondy, the head of a major electrical company, as he grapples with a coal crisis and the stagnation of industry. While reading a newspaper, he becomes intrigued by an advertisement from his old friend, Rudy Marek, who claims to have a revolutionary invention. Bondy visits Marek, who reveals his creation, the "Karburator," which purportedly allows for the complete utilization of atomic energy. As Marek explains the science behind his invention, Bondy experiences a euphoric sensation in the cellar where the Karburator is housed. However, Marek reveals that the machine has a dark side: it emits a force that can convert people, leading to a spiritual awakening or "conversion." Marek, overwhelmed by the implications of his invention, urges Bondy to buy it, despite the moral burden it carries. The novel explores themes of technological advancement, the ethical dilemmas of progress, and the potential consequences of unchecked scientific discovery.

By Karel Čapek · First published 1922 · Genre: Science Fiction, Satire, Philosophical Fiction · 30 chapters · 61,004 words

First lines

On New Year's Day, 1943, G. H. Bondy, head of the great Metallo-Electrical Company, was sitting as usual reading his paper. He skipped the news from the theatre of war rather disrespectfully, avoided the Cabinet crisis, then crowded on sail (for the People's Journal, which had grown long ago to five times its ancient size, now afforded enough canvas for an ocean voyage) for the Finance and Commerce section. Here he cruised about for quite a while, then furled his sails, and abandoned himself to his thoughts.

What this Textopian page supports

The Absolute at Large is listed on Textopian as a novel by Karel Čapek, dated 1922 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Karel Čapek
Date: 1922 CE
Language: English
Genres: Science Fiction, Satire, Philosophical Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Political Fiction
Length: 61,004 words
Structure: 30 chapters, 1,049 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Absolute at Large by Karel Čapek
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Absolute at Large?
How does this novel by Karel Čapek fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Science Fiction — The novel explores themes of technology, the implications of scientific advancements, and the impact of a new energy source on society.
Satire — Čapek employs humor and irony to critique societal norms, politics, and the consequences of unchecked technological progress.
Philosophical Fiction — The narrative delves into existential questions about humanity, morality, and the nature of existence in the face of overwhelming technological change.
Dystopian Fiction — The book presents a vision of a future society grappling with the unintended consequences of a revolutionary invention, reflecting dystopian themes.