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 …

…our lives our determined. This is the reason Marlow recalls memories favorably, whereas Jim is driven to the ends of the earth, perpetually in search of a new destiny: “Tell me, wasn't that the best time, that time when we were young at sea; young and had nothing, on the sea that gives nothing, except hard knocks - and sometimes a chance to feel your strength - that only - what you all regret?” (Youth, 116)