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Cover of The Purple Cloud

The Purple Cloud

Written by M. P. (Matthew Phipps) Shiel

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Science FictionEnd of the worldApocalyptic fantasiesNatural disasters

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About this book

"The Purple Cloud" by M. P. Shiel is a novel written during the early 20th century. The narrative presents themes of exploration, human ambition, and existential despair as it follows the journey of the protagonist, Adam Jeffson. He embarks on an expedition to the North Pole, driven by the allure of fame and fortune, while also grappling with darker psychological themes and relationships, particularly concerning a mysterious woman named Clodagh. The opening of the book introduces us to Adam Jeffson, a young doctor, reflecting on his life and the events leading to the expedition aboard the ship Boreal. He recounts a pivotal sermon denouncing the quest for the North Pole, delivered by a fervent preacher named Mackay, who warns of a looming doom for those seeking out the forbidden mysteries of the Arctic. The narrative sets the stage for Jeffson’s internal conflicts about his ambitions and personal desires, particularly as they intertwine with his complex relationship with his fiancée, Clodagh, and her nephew Peters, who is also a member of the expedition. As the preparations for the journey unfold, a sense of foreboding begins to permeate the text, hinting at the challenges and tragedies that lie ahead for Jeffson and the others involved in the ill-fated expedition.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Purple Cloud, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 12 hours
  • advanced
  • apocalyptic
  • existential
  • desolate

M. P. Shiel's "The Purple Cloud" is a seminal 'last man' novel that chronicles the harrowing journey of Adam Jeffson, who, after embarking on a disastrous North Pole expedition, becomes the sole survivor of a global cataclysm. A mysterious purple cloud wipes out humanity, leaving Jeffson to wander an abandoned world, grappling with profound solitude, unchecked power, and psychological descent. His eventual discovery of a single surviving woman, Clodagh, ignites a complex and often violent struggle for dominance and the future of mankind. The novel delves into themes of ambition, existential despair, and the raw nature of humanity stripped of societal constraints, all presented through Shiel's elaborate and distinctive prose.

“I was the Lord of the Earth, and I would have it so.”

Key themes

Existential Despair and Solitude
The most prominent theme, exploring the psychological impact of being the last human on Earth. Adam Jeffson's journey from initial jubilation to profound loneliness, madness, and the desperate search for meaning in an empty world, raises fundamental questions about human connection, purpose, and the nature of existence without others.
Human Ambition and Hubris
The novel critiques humanity's relentless pursuit of conquest and 'forbidden knowledge,' specifically the race to the North Pole. Mackay's sermon serves as a warning against such hubris, suggesting that certain boundaries should not be crossed. Adam's initial motivations are rooted in this ambition, which is then ironically 'punished' by the global catastrophe, leaving him to face the consequences of an unchecked desire for power and exploration.
Gender, Power, and the Future of Humanity
This theme explores the dynamics between Adam and Clodagh as the last two humans. Adam's attempts to dominate Clodagh, viewing her as a means to repopulate rather than an equal partner, highlight problematic patriarchal attitudes. The struggle between them becomes a microcosm of human society's potential for both cooperation and conflict, and raises questions about how a new humanity might be founded, and on what terms.

Worth discussing

How does Adam Jeffson's character evolve from an ambitious explorer to the 'last man'? What psychological transformations does he undergo?

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