Youth: As Portrayed by Conrad in Lord Jim and "Youth"
In Joseph Conrad's works Lord Jim and "Youth," the topic of a young male's development is central. In their respective stories, our main characters Jim and Marlow, are faced with trials by sea; the tales depict relatively inexperienced men of their profession, and our protagonists encounter elemental struggles in a natural environment. We shall see how the prospects of adventure and glory appeal to our heroes; however, the obstacles they face promise only self-discovery. The following will discuss the character of youth as portrayed by Conrad, pertaining to Jim and Marlow. Firstly, we will analyze Lord Jim's romantic impulse, perpetual ambition for glory and how his youth plays a factor in his decisions. He commits questionable actions yet possesses simple motives, universal and conducive to his young age. Secondly, Marlow's simpler, eager character in "Youth" will be interpreted, in relation to Lord Jim. Conrad gives both men similar ambitions; only the failure of Jim's situation shows how the author illustrates the theme of youth in two different lights. Although we first view him to be a resolute character, Jim's youth has a fanciful quality about it. He holds grandiose hopes and dreams, and acts impulsively. His initial insp
Our narrator describes Jim's youthful babbling as such:He ran on like this, forgetting his plate, with a knife and fork in hand, slightly flushed, and with his eyes darkened many shades, which was with him a sign of excitement. ), and when his tattered vessel threatens to sink, and later explode. The romanticism of youth here lies in the quest to prove one's competence, if not brilliance; there must be danger encountered, so that one may triumph in the face of it: "[. The entire course of Jim's life depends crucially on the whim-like suggestion of some inconsequential reading; the irony lies in that this "holiday literature" has a substantial effect in determining Jim's role in the story. He would do so - better than anybody. Youth! All youth! The silly, charming, beautiful youth. ] It seemed as though we had been forgotten by the world, belonged to nobody, would get nowhere" (Youth, 92). ] I say I would, and I ought to know" (Lord Jim, 75). ] Jim thought it a pitiful display of vanity. Although Jim realizes the severity of his dishonorable conduct, he objects to being judged (and verbally assailed) outside of the required official proceedings.
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Acceptance Essays
