48 pages • 1 hour read
Joseph ConradThe Secret Agent
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1907A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Background
Authorial Context: Joseph Conrad and Modernism
Joseph Conrad was born Józef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowski on December 3, 1857, in Berdychiv, Poland (now in Ukraine). His father, Apollo Korzeniowski, was a writer and a political activist against Russian rule, which led to the family’s exile to Vologda, Russia. The harsh conditions and the death of Conrad’s mother when he was just seven years old left a profound impact on him. By the age of 11, Conrad was orphaned after his father’s death. At 16, Conrad left Poland for Marseille, France, to begin a career at sea. He sailed under the French and later the British flags; his time at sea exposed him to various cultures and human conditions, providing rich material for his future novels.
In 1886, Conrad became a British citizen and changed his name. He continued his sea voyages until 1894 when he decided to retire from seafaring and devote himself to writing. His first novel, Almayer’s Folly (1895), drew on his experiences in Southeast Asia and established his reputation as a writer.
Conrad’s works, such as Lord Jim (1900) and Heart of Darkness (1899), often delved into the complexities of morality and the impacts of colonialism. The Secret Agent, published in 1907, marked Conrad’s engagement with contemporary political and social issues. The novel’s portrayal of anarchism, espionage, and terrorism resonates with the anxieties of the early 20th century. Conrad’s depiction of the protagonist’s inner turmoil and the bleak urban landscape exemplify modernist themes of alienation and existential dread.
Conrad’s association with modernism is evident in his narrative techniques and thematic concerns. Modernist writers, as part of an artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, sought to break away from traditional forms of literature and explore new ways of representing reality. In Conrad’s work, including The Secret Agent, he utilizes nonlinear storytelling, fragmented narratives, and psychological introspection, aligning him with modernist writers such as James Joyce and Virginia Woolf. In The Secret Agent, Conrad employs a complex narrative structure, shifting perspectives and timelines to create a multifaceted view of the characters and events. This approach challenges the reader to piece together the story, reflecting the uncertainty and fragmented nature of modern life.
Conrad’s exploration of the human condition, moral ambiguity, and the darker aspects of society paved the way for subsequent writers. The Secret Agent, in particular, has been cited as an important precursor to the spy novel genre and has influenced authors such as Graham Greene and John le Carré.
Despite his success, Conrad’s later years were marked by financial difficulties and health problems. He continued to write, producing works such as Under Western Eyes (1911) and Victory (1915), but he struggled with declining health. Conrad died of a heart attack on August 3, 1924, in Bishopsbourne, England. His works have been adapted for film, television, and radio, and they have been hailed as landmark novels in the history of Western fiction.
Political Context: Anarchism in the UK
Anarchism, as a political philosophy advocating for a stateless society based on voluntary cooperation and mutual aid, found fertile ground in the United Kingdom during the 19th century. Anarchism in the UK during the 19th century had roots in earlier radical movements, and it intersected with the broader labor and socialist movements, thereby making a unique contribution to the global anarchist tradition. In The Secret Agent, Conrad portrays anarchists as disunited and ineffectual.
By the mid-19th century, anarchism began to emerge more distinctly as a coherent political ideology in the UK. Proudhon's concept of "mutualism" and Bakunin's revolutionary anarchism resonated with many British radicals. One of the key figures in the dissemination of anarchist ideas was the Italian anarchist Errico Malatesta, who spent several periods in the UK and worked closely with British activists. His presence helped to bridge British anarchism with the broader international movement. The growth of the labor movement in the late 19th century provided a fertile ground for anarchist ideas. The establishment of trade unions and the rise of socialist parties created a vibrant political landscape in which anarchists could operate. However, relations between anarchists and other socialist groups were often fraught with tension, particularly over issues of organization and the role of the state.
Anarchist activity during this period was not limited to theoretical discussions. The movement was also marked by direct action and activism. Some anarchists adopted the "Propaganda by the Deed" strategy, advocating for acts of violence to inspire revolutionary change, though this was highly controversial and not universally supported within the movement. High-profile incidents, such as the 1894 Greenwich bombing by French anarchist Martial Bourdin (on whom Stevie in The Secret Agent is based), brought significant public and governmental attention to anarchist activities.
Anarchism in the UK during the 19th century also had a broader cultural and social impact. The movement intersected with various cultural currents, including the arts and literature. Figures such as Oscar Wilde expressed sympathies with anarchist ideas, and the movement's emphasis on individual freedom and critique of bourgeois society influenced a range of artistic expressions.
The establishment of anarchist communes and cooperatives, such as the Whiteway Colony in Gloucestershire, demonstrated the movement's commitment to creating practical alternatives to capitalist society. These experiments in communal living aimed to put anarchist principles into practice, emphasizing cooperation, shared ownership, and egalitarian social relations.
The British government viewed anarchism with suspicion and often responded with repression. The rise of anarchist terrorism on the continent, particularly in France and Spain, heightened fears of similar violence in the UK. The authorities enacted measures to monitor and suppress anarchist activities, including the 1894 Aliens Act, which targeted foreign anarchists. Public perception of anarchism was shaped by media portrayal that often sensationalized the movement as violent and chaotic. This negative image was reinforced by incidents of anarchist violence, though many anarchists sought to distance themselves from such tactics and emphasize the peaceful, cooperative aspects of their vision.
Historical Context: The Greenwich Bombing
The Secret Agent depicts an anarchist plot to detonate a bomb near Greenwich Observatory. The novel was inspired by the 1894 Greenwich bombing, a significant historical event tied to the anarchist movements of the late 19th century aimed at inciting political change.
The Greenwich bombing occurred on February 15, 1894, when an explosion rocked the Royal Observatory in Greenwich Park, London. The bomb detonated prematurely, killing the bomber. Martial Bourdin, a known anarchist, was carrying the bomb when it exploded, causing his immediate death and significant damage to the surrounding area. Martial Bourdin's death was instantaneous due to the severity of the explosion, which tore apart his body, leaving behind a gruesome scene. The explosion did not cause additional casualties and was quickly linked to anarchist activities, although the exact motive and target remained unclear.
Martial Bourdin was a 26-year-old French national who had been residing in London. He was associated with anarchist circles and had a history of involvement in anarchist activities. London was a hub for political exiles and revolutionaries at the time. The city's relative openness allowed anarchists to organize and plan their activities with some degree of freedom. Bourdin's presence in London and his connections to local anarchists indicated that the bombing was likely part of a broader anarchist strategy rather than an isolated act. Authorities quickly identified Bourdin and connected him to the anarchist network in London. His affiliations and activities were scrutinized, and law enforcement intensified their efforts to monitor and suppress anarchist groups.
The bombing prompted widespread fear and outrage among the British public and government. It underscored the perceived threat posed by anarchists and led to increased surveillance and repression of anarchist activities. The British government responded with stricter measures to combat anarchism, including new laws aimed at curbing the spread of anarchist propaganda and punishing those involved in violent acts. The press played a significant role in shaping public perception of the bombing and the anarchist threat. Newspapers sensationalized the event, portraying anarchists as dangerous radicals intent on destroying society. This media portrayal further fueled public fear and support for government crackdowns on anarchist groups.
The Greenwich bombing had a profound impact on anarchist movements in Britain and beyond. It highlighted the dangers associated with violent tactics and prompted some anarchists to reconsider their methods. The incident served as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of using violence to achieve political goals. In the aftermath of the bombing, there was a noticeable shift in some anarchist circles toward advocating for nonviolent means of achieving political change. This shift was partly driven by the recognition that violent acts could alienate potential supporters and provoke harsh government responses. However, not all anarchists abandoned the use of violence. Some continued to see it as a necessary tool for disrupting state power and advancing their cause.
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