Youth: As Portrayed by Conrad in Lord Jim and "Youth"

A detailed Summary of 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

[...] I seemed to detect something insolent. But then I am twenty years his senior. Youth is insolent; it is its right - its necessity; it has got to assert itself, and all assertion in this world of doubts is a defiance, is an insolence (Lord Jim, 217).

"I promise to take care of myself. Yes; I won't take any risks. Not a single blessed risk. Of course not. I mean to hang out. Don't you worry. Jove! I feel as if nothing could touch me. Why! This is luck from the word Go. I wouldn't spoil such a magnificent chance!" (Lord Jim, 220)

"And do you know what I thought? I wanted to have my first command all to myself. I wasn't going to sail in a squadron if there were a chance for independent cruising. I would make land by myself. I would beat the other boats. Youth! All youth! The silly, charming, beautiful youth." (Youth, 109)

"[...] Like a defiance, like a cry to the clouds without mercy, the words written on her stern: 'Judea, London. Do or Die.' O youth! The strength of it, the faith of it, the imagination of it! [...] To me she was the endeavor, the test, the trial of life. I think of her with pleasure, with affection, with regret - as you would think of someone dead you have loved. I shall never forget her." (Youth, 89)

Jim's confidence in himself is evident throughout the book; as we shall see, he tends not to doubt his ability to deal with adversity, even when all odds are stacked against him. The quote above, however, is more symbolic of the naivete of youth. Inexperience in the trials of life begets unachievable goals before reality differs to agree, disillusioning those who fail to meet the task. Even so, the light-hearted outlook with which Jim faces his future at this point is evident: "The final effect [...] was that [...] he exulted with fresh certitude in his avidity for adventure, and in a sense of many-sided courage" (Lord Jim, 49). His enthusiasm towards challenges and promising competence in his area of expertise result in a potentially formidable character, foreshadowing Jim's later achievements in Patusan.

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. The ring was a sort of credential - ("It's like something you read of in books," he threw in appreciatively) and Doramin would do his best for him. (Lord Jim, 215)

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Approximate Word count = 2434
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English