Lord Jim · Chapter
XXXIX explained
During Jim's absence in the interior, Dain Waris leads the initial defense against Brown's men.
What happens
During Jim's absence in the interior, Dain Waris leads the initial defense against Brown's men. A council of Patusan leaders, including Doramin and Kassim, debates strategy, with Jewel urging immediate action. The council decides on a cautious plan to blockade and starve the invaders. Meanwhile, Kassim secretly negotiates with Brown through Cornelius, who betrays Jim by advising Brown to kill him. Brown, learning of Patusan's internal divisions, sees new opportunities.
Themes in this chapter
Colonialism and Otherness
Jim's 'racial prestige' and status as 'one of us' versus 'one of them' highlights the colonial divide; Cornelius's betrayal underscores the exploitation of local divisions by white adventurers.
Judgment and Redemption
The council's deliberation over how to deal with Brown's men reflects themes of judgment; Jim's absence leaves his community to decide on justice and mercy.
Love and Sacrifice
Jewel's martial ardor and her plea in Jim's name demonstrate her willingness to sacrifice for him and the community.
Characters to notice
- Jim
Absent in the interior; his presence and reputation as 'Tuan Jim' dominate the council's deliberations.
- Dain Waris
Leads the first repulse; advocates immediate action but is overruled by the council; ordered by Doramin to blockade the river.
- Jewel
Commands the fort in Jim's absence; makes a passionate speech urging attack; supervises powder distribution.
- Doramin
Attends the council but remains silent, hesitant to endorse his son's aggressive plan; later orders Dain Waris to a safer post.
- Kassim
Represents the Rajah at the council; secretly opens communications with Brown, using Cornelius as interpreter.
- Cornelius
Slinking in the courtyard, he is recruited by Kassim to interpret; betrays Jim by advising Brown to kill him.
- Gentleman Brown
Besieged on the hill; receives Cornelius's overture and learns of Patusan's internal divisions, seeing new possibilities.
Key passages
“He was not the visible, tangible incarnation of unfailing truth and of unfailing victory. Beloved, trusted, and admired as he was, he was still one of them , while Jim was one of us .”
Dain Waris, though loved and trusted, lacked Jim's almost mythical status as an invincible white man; he was still seen as one of the natives, whereas Jim was considered part of the white race.
Highlights the racial and colonial hierarchy in Patusan.
“I am an Englishman too. From Malacca. He is a fool. All you have to do is to kill him and then you are king here. Everything belongs to him,' explained Cornelius.”
Cornelius, claiming to be an Englishman from Malacca, tells Brown that Jim is a fool and that killing him would make Brown the ruler of Patusan, since everything belongs to Jim.
Cornelius's betrayal and manipulation of Brown for his own ends.