The Secret Agent

Joseph Conrad

Nov 2022 · DigiCat

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The book tells the story of Mr. Adolf Verloc and his work as a spy against Britain. Verloc is a businessman who owns a shop which sells pornographic material, contraceptives and bric-a-brac. His friends are a group of anarchists of which Comrade Ossipon, Michaelis, and "The Professor" are the most prominent. The group produces anarchist literature in the form of pamphlets entitled F.P. – The Future of the Proletariat. Although a member of an anarchist cell, Verloc is also secretly employed by the embassy of a foreign country, but Mr. Vladimir, the new First Secretary in the Embassy is not satisfied with Verloc's contribution. In order to redeem himself, Verloc must carry out an operation – the destruction of Greenwich Observatory by a bomb.

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Joseph Conrad, born Józef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowski on December 3, 1857, in Berdychiv, Ukraine, then part of the Russian Empire, is a literary figure of remarkable depth and influence. Conrad's works, known for their rich prose and exploration of the human condition amidst imperialistic and maritime backdrops, firmly positioned him within the canon of Western literature. His writing career was a departure from his earlier life at sea, a venture that imbued his narratives with an authenticity that is palpable in his detailed depictions of nautical life and the complexities of the human psyche. Conrad's novel 'The Secret Agent' (1907), is a seminal work that delves into the themes of anarchism, espionage, and terrorism, set against the backdrop of late 19th-century London. It reflects Conrad's preoccupation with the moral dilemmas and the often ambiguous nature of human motives and societal norms. Like much of his oeuvre, the novel demonstrates a sophisticated use of narrative structure and irony, offering a dark and critical analysis of issues that continue to resonate in contemporary society. Conrad's literary style combines elements of realism and modernism, with a keen psychological introspection that transcends the characters' personal struggles to address broader communal concerns. His work not only provides gripping narratives but also invites readers to ponder intricate ethical questions, contributing to his enduring reputation in the annals of English literature (Conrad, 1907; Najder, 2007).