Under Western Eyes

ebook: Under Western Eyes

Sprache - Englisch

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About the eBook

In 'Under Western Eyes', Joseph Conrad intricately weaves a tale of personal tragedy and political intrigue. With a discerning eye for psychological depth, Conrad explores the tumultuous life of Razumov, a Russian student unwittingly drawn into a world of espionage and betrayal. Set against the backdrop of pre-revolutionary Russia, the novel's narrative technique stands out for its use of a Western narrator, who presents Razumov's story as a critique of both Tsarist Russia and Western misconceptions about it. The prose, rich in its descriptive power, is emblematic of Conrad's impressionistic style, while the book occupies a critical place in the literary context as a bridge between Victorian literature and the emerging modernist movement.
Joseph Conrad, born Józef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowski, was a Polish-British writer who navigated between different cultures throughout his life, an experience which heavily influenced his writing. The convergence of his personal history with the colonial injustices he witnessed during his time at sea, enabled Conrad to craft novels steeped in moral complexity. 'Under Western Eyes' reflects Conrad's own ambivalence towards imperialism and his skepticism about the simplistic moral narratives often portrayed by Western observers.
'Under Western Eyes' is recommended to readers who appreciate novels that delve into the complexities of the human psyche, the intricacies of political dynamics, and the brooding atmosphere of historical change. Conrad's masterful portrayal of a divided individual and a society on the brink of upheaval offers a timeless examination of the conflict between individual values and societal pressures. Scholars and enthusiasts of pre-modernist literature, alike, will find 'Under Western Eyes' a compelling addition to Conrad's literary canon, prompting reflection on the relentless pursuit of ideological purity and its human cost.


About the Author

Joseph Conrad, born Józef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowski on December 3, 1857, in Berdychiv, Ukraine, then part of the Russian Empire, was a pre-eminent early 20th-century novelist. A master of prose style and a precursor to modernist literature, Conrad drew upon his diverse experiences in the French and British merchant navies to create short stories and novels that reflect aspects of a European-dominated world—while profoundly exploring human psychology. His narrative style and anti-heroic characters have influenced numerous authors and filmmakers. Conrad's writing trajectory began with the publication of 'Almayer's Folly' in 1895, but he is best known for the novella 'Heart of Darkness' (1899) and novels such as 'Lord Jim' (1900), 'Nostromo' (1904), and 'The Secret Agent' (1907). In 'Under Western Eyes' (1911), Conrad examines themes of terrorism, espionage, and betrayal, rendering a complex psychological landscape within a political context. It is this discerning introspection coupled with his narrative innovations and evocative use of the English language, which was his third language after Polish and French, that cements his reputation as a significant figure in the annals of the English novel. He straddled the Victorian and modernist worlds, consistently exploring the depths of human consciousness and the often ambiguous nature of moral action. Conrad's works continue to attract scholarly attention and are considered to be of significant literary and cultural importance. He passed away on August 3, 1924, in Bishopsbourne, England, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to resonate.

Product Details

Publisher: DigiCat

Genre: Sprache - Englisch

Language: English

Size: 277 Pages

Filesize: 560.0 KB

ISBN: 8596547324430

Published: