XXIII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Isolation and Belonging

  Jim's departure for Patusan represents his quest to escape his past and find a place where he belongs, though Marlow worries about the isolation and dangers he will face.

• Fate and Free Will

  Jim's defiant assertion that 'nothing could touch me' and his view of the journey as 'luck from the word Go' contrast with Marlow's more cautious perspective, highlighting the tension between fate and personal agency.

• Judgment and Redemption

  Jim's desire to 'get out' and 'stay out' reflects his attempt to escape the judgment of others and seek redemption in a new environment, though Marlow notes that Jim himself cannot forget his past.

Characters to notice

• Jim

  Jim is defiant and optimistic as he prepares to leave for Patusan, expressing a desire to escape his past and start anew. He shows gratitude and intimacy with Marlow, calling him 'old man' and promising to take care of himself.

• Marlow

  Marlow is the narrator, deeply concerned for Jim's fate. He gives Jim a revolver and reflects on their relationship, feeling a moment of profound intimacy and later a sense of sickness at Jim's reckless exaltation.

• Stein

  Stein is mentioned as having instructed Jim to wait before building a house to avoid 'vain expense,' and as the owner of the brigantine that carries Jim to Patusan.

• Cornelius

  Cornelius is referenced indirectly through the half-caste captain's account of Mr. Cornelius 'propitiating many offertories' to the Rajah, indicating his role in Patusan.

• Tunku Allang

  Tunku Allang is mentioned as the Rajah to whom Cornelius made offerings, and as a 'laughable hyaena' according to the half-caste captain.

Key passages

• “I promise to take care of myself. Yes; I won't take any risks. Not a single blessed risk. Of course not. I mean to hang out. Don't you worry. Jove! I feel as if nothing could touch me. Why! this is luck from the word Go. I wouldn't spoil such a magnificent chance!”

  Jim assures Marlow he will be careful and not take any risks, feeling invincible and seeing his journey as a wonderful opportunity he won't waste.

  Jim's optimistic and defiant tone contrasts with the dangers ahead, showing his youthful confidence and desire to prove himself.

• “It is not I or the world who remember,' I shouted. 'It is you—you, who remember.”

  Marlow tells Jim that the memory of his past failure haunts Jim himself, not others or the world.

  This exchange highlights Jim's internal struggle with his past and the theme of judgment and redemption.

• “Yes. Best thing to cheer up a fellow,' he said hastily. I was struck by this appreciation, but there was no time for Shakespearian talk.”

  Jim says that reading Shakespeare is the best way to lift his spirits, surprising Marlow with his literary taste.

  Jim's choice of Shakespeare as a comfort reveals a reflective side beneath his bravado.