Solitude versus solidarity in the novels of Joseph Conrad
Subtitle: political and epistemological implications of narrative innovation
By: Ursula Lord.
Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press
Published: 1998
Place of publication: Montreal; Buffalo, [N.Y.]
Language: eng
Number of pages: 358
Subjects: Conrad, Joseph, 1857-1924 -- Political and social views.; Conrad, Joseph, 1857-1924 -- Technique.; Politics and literature -- Great Britain -- History -- 20th century.; Political fiction, English -- History and criticism.; Narration (Rhetoric) -- History -- 20th century.; Imperialism in literature.; Solitude in literature.; Colonies in literature.; Fiction -- Technique.; Self in literature.
Description: Ursula Lord explores the manifestations in narrative structure of epistemological relativism, textual reflexivity, and political inquiry, specifically Conrad's critique of colonialism and imperialism and his concern for the relationship between self and society.

The tension between solitude and solidarity manifests itself as a soul divided against itself; an individual torn between engagement and detachment, idealism and cynicism; a dramatized narrator who himself embodies the contradictions between radical individualism and social cohesion; a society that professes the ideal of shared responsibility while isolating the individual guilty of betraying the illusion of cultural or professional solidarity.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [339]-334) and index.