Robur reading companion
Nineteenth-century Philadelphia, the Weldon Institute and the lands seen from the Albatross. The novel follows a dispute between supporters of balloons and the inventor of a heavier-than-air machine.
This edition preserves the racial stereotypes and colonial hierarchies of the historical text. The treatment of Frycollin and the Dahomey episode call for close attention to the narrator’s position and the presentation of violence as spectacle.
Robur
Engineer and commander
He builds the Albatross and abducts his opponents to demonstrate its abilities. Control of the machinery also gives him control of his prisoners’ movements.
Prove the superiority of his aircraft and keep its construction secret.
Uncle Prudent
President of the Weldon Institute
A supporter of balloons, he becomes Robur’s captive. During the journey he works with Phil Evans to plan an escape.
Recover his freedom and uphold the institute’s position.
Phil Evans
Secretary of the Weldon Institute
He begins as Uncle Prudent’s rival within the club. Captivity brings the two men together and turns rivalry into cooperation.
Leave the Albatross and return to Philadelphia.
Frycollin
Uncle Prudent’s servant
Abducted with his employer, he struggles with fear of heights. The narrator subjects him to racial stereotypes; his place aboard the craft also exposes the hierarchy among its captives.
Reach solid ground and survive the journey.
Weldon Institute
Its members fund and debate the dirigible Go-Ahead. The quarrel over the propeller’s position sets the stage for Robur’s intervention.
Crew of the Albatross
Robur’s men operate the aircraft and carry out his orders throughout the journey.
Robur / Uncle Prudent
Robur imposes the journey; Uncle Prudent seeks to regain control over his departure.
Uncle Prudent / Phil Evans
Captivity draws the president and secretary into a shared escape plan.
Uncle Prudent / Frycollin
Frycollin is drawn into his employer’s quarrel and bears its consequences from a subordinate position.