Master of the (Distant) World

"Lord Jim", one of the major works in Modernist literature, was first published as a serial in Blackwood's Magazine from October 1899 to November 1900. Joseph Conrad wrote it during his forties, which seemed a bit too late by today's standard. But the author started to learn the English language during his twenties. (He was born Józef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowski, of Polish parents in Podolia, now located in the western Ukraine and northeastern Moldova.) This meant he was careful of his words while composing the draft. He was also aware that it was the dawn of Modernist literature, where writers would experiment on different styles. Victorian literature wasn't out of date. Yet.

The Victorian Empire was at its height, with territories from different parts of the world. Many wondered if colonialism was the main theme of the book. (If it was, then Conrad was subtle about it.) It was about a young man who wanted to be the hero of his own adventure. He got a chance when he became the first mate on the Patna, a ship full of pilgrims travelling to Mecca for the hajj. Courage forsake him when disaster struck. The lad was haunted by what happened. Redemption came when he was offered to work in Patusan. (Patusan was a fictional community, its only main access to the outside world was through the river leading to the sea. Scholars believed it was Borneo.) Finally, he became the master of his own world. Then his ideals were put to the test. Again.

One of us

"Lord Jim" can be categorized under the Sea story genre. It was about interpersonal difficulties between seamen. There were some naval activities, as well as commercial fishing involved. The struggles against treacherous weather was too obvious. But there was more.

"He is one of us - and have I not stood up once, like an evoked ghost, to answer for his eternal constancy? Was I so very wrong after all? Now he is no more, there are days when the reality of his existence comes to me with an immense, with an overwhelming force."

Jim was an idealistic fellow, yet readers would wonder if what he did in the end (of the novel) was the right thing to do. The author didn't narrate his tale in linear fashion, withholding some information until the very end. But keen readers would sense Jim's fate halfway. They may not agree, as ideals don't guarantee happiness. Everyone deserves a second chance, but Victorian custom is rather strict. Even if Patusan was so far away from Britain.

Another interesting thing to note is the lack of female characters in the novel. It's about the sea and the search for adventure. (Jane Austen's novels would remind readers that there's no better place than a home.) There are only two women, both minor characters, who provide Jim some reason. But he may have read Greek mythology one too many. If you disagree, share your thoughts.