# To My Readers in America explained — The Nigger of the Narcissus

> Chapter companion for The Nigger of the Narcissus by Joseph Conrad.

## What happens

Joseph Conrad reflects on the creation of 'The Nigger of the Narcissus,' describing James Wait as the psychological center of the ship and the book. He recounts the novel's serialization by W. E. Henley and the decision to suppress the original preface, which is now included. Conrad expresses his deep affection for the sea and seamen, and his transition from sailor to writer.

## Themes in this chapter

### Race and Otherness

Conrad notes that James Wait, as a Black man in a British forecastle, is a lonely being, highlighting the theme of racial isolation and otherness.

### Mortality and Fear of Death

James Wait is described as afraid of death and making her his accomplice, central to the novel's exploration of mortality.

## Character check-ins

### James Wait

Described as the center of the ship's collective psychology and the pivot of the action, an impostor mastering compassion and triumphing over suspicions.

## Key lines

> From that evening when James Wait joined the ship—late for the muster of the crew—to the moment when he left us in the open sea, shrouded in sailcloth, through the open port, I had much to do with him.

Conrad had extensive dealings with James Wait from the time he joined the ship until his burial at sea.

_Summarizes the narrative arc of Wait's presence on the Narcissus._

> Yet James Wait, afraid of death and making her his accomplice was an impostor of some character—mastering our compassion, scornful of our sentimentalism, triumphing over our suspicions.

James Wait, though fearful of death, used that fear to manipulate the crew, controlling their emotions and overcoming their doubts.

_Highlights Wait's manipulative nature and the crew's psychological response._

> It is the book by which, not as a novelist perhaps, but as an artist striving for the utmost sincerity of expression, I am willing to stand or fall.

Conrad considers this novel his defining artistic work, one by which he is willing to be judged.

_Emphasizes the personal significance of the novel to Conrad's artistic identity._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/chapters/to-my-readers-in-america
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/chapters