# XXXV explained — Lord Jim

> Chapter companion for Lord Jim by Joseph Conrad.

## What happens

Marlow departs from Patusan, leaving Jim behind. As he sails away, he reflects on the characters he has left, including Doramin, Tunku Allang, Dain Waris, Jewel, Tamb' Itam, and Cornelius. Jim accompanies Marlow to the coast, where they share a final conversation on the beach. Jim reaffirms his commitment to his new life and the people of Patusan, expressing his determination to remain faithful to his role. Marlow observes Jim's romantic idealism and recalls Stein's words about following the dream. The chapter ends with Marlow watching Jim's white figure fade into the twilight, a symbol of the enigma he represents.

## Themes in this chapter

### Romantic Idealism vs. Reality

Jim's romantic nature is highlighted as he commits to his dream of faithfulness and redemption, despite the harsh realities of his past and the limitations of his new life.

### Isolation and Belonging

Jim is isolated on the beach as Marlow departs, yet he has found a sense of belonging in Patusan, where he is the 'white lord' and protector.

### Fate and Free Will

Jim's decision to stay in Patusan and his assertion of faithfulness reflect his exercise of free will, while Marlow's reflections suggest an enigmatic fate surrounding Jim.

## Character check-ins

### Jim

Accompanies Marlow to the coast, expresses his commitment to his new life and the people of Patusan, and reaffirms his faithfulness.

### Marlow

Departs from Patusan, reflects on the characters left behind, and shares a final conversation with Jim on the beach.

### Doramin

Mentioned as part of the tableau of characters left behind, described as immense and magnanimous.

### Jewel

Mentioned as part of the tableau, absorbed in her frightened, suspicious adoration; Jim speaks of her as someone who trusts him.

### Dain Waris

Mentioned as intelligent and brave, with faith in Jim.

### Cornelius

Mentioned as part of the tableau, leaning his forehead against the fence under the moonlight.

## Key lines

> I shall be faithful,' he said quietly. 'I shall be faithful,' he repeated, without looking at me, but for the first time letting his eyes wander upon the waters, whose blueness had changed to a gloomy purple under the fires of sunset.

Jim quietly and repeatedly vows to remain faithful, finally allowing his gaze to drift across the sea as the sunset transforms the water from blue to purple.

_Jim's declaration of faithfulness is a key moment, underscoring his romantic idealism and commitment to his new life._

> He was romantic, romantic. I recalled some words of Stein's. … 'In the destructive element immerse! … To follow the dream, and again to follow the dream—and so—always— usque ad finem …'

Marlow reflects on Jim's romantic nature, remembering Stein's advice to immerse oneself in the destructive element and to follow the dream relentlessly to the end.

_Marlow connects Jim's romanticism to Stein's philosophy, emphasizing the theme of following one's dream despite the risks._

> For me that white figure in the stillness of coast and sea seemed to stand at the heart of a vast enigma.

To Marlow, Jim's white figure, set against the quiet coast and sea, appears to be at the center of a great mystery.

_Marlow's final image of Jim encapsulates the enigmatic nature of Jim's character and his fate._

## Links

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