Joseph Conrad’s Lord Jim explores the repercussions of both colonialism and racism.

European characters like Gentleman Brown clearly demonstrate racism and colonialism, while characters like Jim’s part-Malay wife Jewel aim to inspire empathy in the reader. Jim and Marlow, European sailors, are presently navigating in Asian waters. The ambition of numerous European leaders to exploit Asian resources serves as an example of colonial enterprises. The novel features white characters like Chester, who carelessly causes the deaths of numerous Asian sailors in pursuit of guano (seabird excrement used as fertilizer).

Additionally, governments turn a blind eye to Stein’s involvement in corrupt and potentially lethal activities in the remote Malay region of Patusan, suggesting the exploitative nature of European colonialism. Marlow, the sea captain who narrates Jim’s account, is unaware of the full intricacies of Stein’s transactions and appears to have no desire to learn them. This may reflect the tendency of many Europeans to ignore events taking place abroad, thereby suggesting the dichotomy and division between colonialism and racism.

Although there may be room for discussion over the overall efficacy of Conrad’s assertions against racism, Lord Jim effectively examines Europe’s connection with the remaining regions of the globe and exposes deficiencies in the prevailing colonialist system.