Under Western Eyes

Book excerpt: Characterized by Conrad himself as his “most deeply meditated novel,” Under Western Eyes enjoyed a warm reception on its publication in October 1911. In the century since it has rewarded readers with various pleasures. Exploring the intertwined subjects of personal morality, the nature of the State, national character and identity, and covertly digging into the tensions of his family's past, the novel is the last of Conrad's sustained excursions into overtly political territory. This collection of eleven essays considers Conrad's achievement from several perspectives. Opening with a provocative essay on the text's genesis, it surveys intertextual relations and influences, considers its ethical challenges, its psychological appeal to our time, and its contemporary reception and reception in Russia. Addressed to the scholar of literary Modernism, “Under Western Eyes”: Centennial Essays offers a vivid snapshot of current critical technologies. This well-balanced collection should help the student and classroom teacher alike in pursuing further the novel's richly layered interests.