Dr. Ramirez
English Literature III
Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost
World, Chapters 3-5
Chapter 3
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Conan Doyle introduces George Edward
Challenger, an anthropologist, craneologist and explorer with a violent
streak.
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GEC's physical characteristics: large
head, clear, masterful gray eyes, black beard, imposing shoulders
and a barrel chest; looks like an Assyrian Bull.
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GEC attacks journalists because they
are ignorant of science and serve only to invade his privacy.
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GEC discovers Malone is faking his
knowledge, and proceeds to engage in a wrestling match with him.
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Malone, however, realizes he has crossed
boundaries and, as a gentleman, does not press charges when GEC gives him
a black eye
Chapter 4:
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Introduction to house once again, except
on legitimate grounds.
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Mrs. Challenger "in the way" and nags
professor about his lack of dignity. She is physically removed from
the conversation and placed on a pedestal, "the stool of penance".
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Challenger offers Malone a cigar and
sizes him up. Looks at his skull: Brachycephalic, black Irish which
means he has Spanish blood. This will contrast with Conan Doyle's red hair
and blue eyed ape-men figures.
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Challenger recounts previous explorations
of Wallace and Bates--two naturalists who worked in the Amazon.
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Convention of getting information from
an obscure and now diseased explorer: Maple White. Challenger has
White's knapsack containing his sketch book, his Moths and Butterflies,
a bone and a revolver. What does this inventory tell you about exploration?
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Challenger offers comparative anatomy
lesson on birds, bats, and pre-historic creatures. Bone is recent, not
a fossil.
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Challenger explains how he followed
Indian lore to find source of bone: Curupuri.
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Shows as proof a wing of the pterodactyl,
flying reptile.
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Challenger named a "Columbus of science
who has discovered a lost world." Why is this quote significant?
Chapter 5:
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Challenger to give thanks to speaker,
Waldron who gives an overview of evolution, and reminds us of the extinction
of certain species.
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Challenger interrupts to suggest prehistoric
species are still alive.
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