Lord Jim · Chapter
XXII explained
Marlow describes the remote and isolated setting of Patusan, contrasting its neglected state with the heroic age of seventeenth-century pepper traders.
What happens
Marlow describes the remote and isolated setting of Patusan, contrasting its neglected state with the heroic age of seventeenth-century pepper traders. He recounts Stein's detailed briefing on the local politics, including the corrupt Rajah Allang, and then narrates his final conversation with Jim before Jim's departure. Marlow emphasizes the casual, almost reckless nature of the plan to send Jim into Patusan, and Jim's eager yet troubled acceptance of this chance for a fresh start.
Themes in this chapter
Isolation and Belonging
Patusan is portrayed as a forgotten, isolated world, and Jim seeks a refuge where he can belong away from his past.
Romantic Idealism vs. Reality
Jim's dream of a heroic fresh start clashes with the prosaic, dangerous reality of his journey up the river.
Colonialism and Otherness
The narrative highlights the exploitation of native populations by local rulers and the distant, indifferent colonial powers.
Characters to notice
- Marlow
Narrates the chapter, reflecting on the isolation of Patusan and his role in arranging Jim's departure.
- Jim
Shows boyish eagerness and gratitude for the chance in Patusan, but also reveals a bitter awareness of his past failures.
- Stein
Provides detailed intelligence on Patusan's politics and people; his sentimental motives for helping Jim are revealed.
- Tunku Allang
Described as a dirty, opium-addicted old man with evil eyes, the corrupt Rajah who extorts the local population.
- Alexander M'Neil
Mentioned as Stein's late benefactor, a Scot whose help Stein now repays by assisting Jim.
Key passages
“The conquest of love, honour, men’s confidence—the pride of it, the power of it, are fit materials for a heroic tale; only our minds are struck by the externals of such a success, and to Jim’s successes there were no externals.”
Achievements like love, honor, and trust are the stuff of heroism, but Jim's successes were invisible to the outside world.
Marlow reflects on the hidden nature of Jim's accomplishments in Patusan.
“It seems impossible to believe that mere greed could hold men to such a steadfastness of purpose, to such a blind persistence in endeavour and sacrifice.”
It's hard to think that simple greed could drive people to such unwavering dedication and self-sacrifice.
Marlow marvels at the heroic determination of early traders driven by the spice trade.
“He would have nothing but the soles of his two feet to stand upon, and he would have first to find his ground at that.”
Jim would have no support or resources in Patusan; he would have to establish himself entirely on his own.
Marlow warns Jim of the total isolation and self-reliance required in Patusan.
“Strange, this fatality that would cast the complexion of a flight upon all his acts, of impulsive unreflecting desertion of a jump into the unknown.”
It's odd how Jim's every action seems like a desperate escape, a thoughtless leap into uncertainty.
Marlow observes the pattern of Jim's life as a series of impulsive flights.