Lord Jim · Chapter
XL explained
Brown, driven by desperation and a lust for plunder, schemes to use Kassim's diplomacy to gain time while planning to ally with and then betray Jim.
What happens
Brown, driven by desperation and a lust for plunder, schemes to use Kassim's diplomacy to gain time while planning to ally with and then betray Jim. He orders a long-range rifle shot to terrorize the townspeople, killing a solitary man. Cornelius advises Brown to lure Jim into a trap and shoot him. Meanwhile, Kassim plays a double game, warning Dain Waris while pretending to negotiate with Brown, causing confusion and fear among the populace. The social order Jim built begins to collapse as people flee or pay court to the Rajah, while Doramin remains steadfast.
Themes in this chapter
Colonialism and Otherness
Brown's predatory view of Patusan as land to be torn and squeezed, and his use of terror against the native population.
The Nature of Courage and Cowardice
Cornelius describes Jim as fearless yet childlike, while Brown's men are cowed and haggard.
Judgment and Redemption
The impending collapse of Jim's edifice of order suggests a coming judgment on his rule.
Characters to notice
- Gentleman Brown
Plans treachery against Jim, orders a deadly long-range shot to terrorize the town, and listens to Cornelius's advice to kill Jim.
- Cornelius
Urges Brown to kill Jim, describing Jim as fearless and childlike, and suggests a trap.
- Kassim
Engages in double-dealing diplomacy with Brown, warns Dain Waris, and tries to keep the Bugis forces divided.
- Jim
Referenced as the target of Brown's and Cornelius's schemes; his ordered society begins to unravel.
- Doramin
Remains unmoved and steadfast, keeping his countrymen together behind the stockade.
- Dain Waris
Warned by Kassim about the white men's ship and urged to oppose its passage.
Key passages
“Brown’s object was to gain time by fooling with Kassim’s diplomacy.”
Brown aimed to delay by deceiving Kassim through diplomatic talk.
Brown's strategic use of negotiation as a stalling tactic.
“He would impose modest conditions. Not too low, though. The man was no fool, it seemed. They would work like brothers till … till the time came for a quarrel and a shot that would settle all accounts.”
Brown planned to propose reasonable terms, but intended to eventually betray and kill Jim.
Brown's duplicitous plan for a partnership that ends in murder.
“He is like a little child. He will come to you straight.”
Cornelius describes Jim as naive and direct, making him easy to trap.
Cornelius's manipulation of Brown by portraying Jim's trusting nature.
“Struck the fear of sudden death into them. That was what we wanted.”
The rifle shot was intended to terrorize the townspeople.
Brown's use of calculated violence to intimidate the population.