# VIII explained — Victory

> Chapter companion for Victory by Joseph Conrad.

## What happens

Schomberg, consumed by hatred and a desire for revenge against Heyst for taking Lena, manipulates Ricardo by painting Heyst as a wealthy, dangerous swindler and murderer. He offers to provide a boat and directions for Ricardo and Mr. Jones to attack Heyst on Samburan, hoping to rid himself of both his tormentors and his rival.

## Themes in this chapter

### Evil and Predation

Schomberg's vengeful manipulation and Ricardo's predatory interest in plunder highlight the predatory nature of the characters.

### Illusion vs. Reality

Schomberg fabricates a false narrative of Heyst as a wealthy criminal to serve his own ends, blurring truth and deception.

## Character check-ins

### Schomberg

Manipulates Ricardo by slandering Heyst, offering a boat and route for an attack to satisfy his vengeful desires.

### Martin Ricardo

Listens to Schomberg's tale, becomes interested in the prospect of plunder, and agrees to consider the plan while managing Mr. Jones.

### Axel Heyst

Portrayed by Schomberg as a wealthy, dangerous swindler and murderer of Morrison, the target of the planned attack.

### Lena

Referenced as the girl who bolted from Schomberg, motivating his hatred for Heyst.

### Mr. Jones

Mentioned as the leader who must be humoured and managed by Ricardo, unaware of the plan's details.

### Morrison

Referenced by Schomberg as a victim of Heyst's supposed swindling and murder.

## Key lines

> It would be nearly as safe to rook him as if he were the man in the moon. You go and try. It isn't so very far.

It would be as easy to rob him as if he were isolated on the moon. Go ahead and try; it's not that far.

_Schomberg encourages Ricardo to attack Heyst, downplaying the difficulty._

> I don't wish any harm to the girl.

I don't want the girl to be hurt.

_Schomberg feigns concern for Lena while plotting against Heyst._

> Being three to one, I suppose you could get it for the asking.

Since you outnumber him three to one, you could probably take what you want without resistance.

_Schomberg suggests the ease of overpowering Heyst._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/victory_se/chapters/part-ii-viii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/victory_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/victory_se/chapters