Unregistered
05-24-2005, 06:07 PM
I'm almost done with Condrad's book (Lord Jim) and am convinced that the novel's center of inspiration is not Jim (Tuan Jim) but that of Captain Marlow, whose profound story relates to us (the reader) by means of his own intelligently unique perspective of nature and human virtue. Following this train of thought, when one reads this novel one does not get a vivid picture of Jim's earthy qualities (the reader gets more of cloudy romantic one), and instead gets to acknowledge Marlow's humanity and incandescent spirit. While reading the novel one gets pieces of important literature in relation to the "togetherness" we must uphold, as human beings, in order to survive. Quoting Conrad (who's quotation applies to Marlow), "in our own hearts we trust for our salvation in the men that surround us, in the sights that fill our eyes, in the sounds that fill our ears, and in the air that fills our lungs. Jim on the other hand is the antithesis of Marlow - he contends to BE (become, etc) without the help of anyone but himself. Yet this error can easily be noted (in Jim's part) if as readers (and listeners of Marlow's captivating story), we admit that we would not be able to think about Jim's complex situations (decisions, judgements, etc) without Marlow's narrative which in turn makes Marlow Jim's creator.