# XXXIX explained — Lord Jim

> Chapter companion for Lord Jim by Joseph Conrad.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lord_jim_se/chapters/xxxix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lord_jim_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lord_jim_se/chapters