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Chapter 16
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Lord Jim, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Fantasy vs. Reality
Justice and Duty
Racism and Colonialism
Truth and Perspective
Summary
Analysis
Jim doesn’t actually leave Marlow’s bedroom, probably because of the rain. Marlow takes the opportunity to plead with Jim to accept some help. Jim refuses to accept the money he would have earned as mate of the Patna, even though he needs money to live.
Jim’s refusal to run this time shows growth as a character. Marlow has helped Jim to avoid listening to his impulse to always run away when things get difficult.
Themes
Marlow offers to write on Jim’s behalf to ask for a favor, and Jim has a strong stammering reaction that confuses Marlow at first. Eventually, Jim accepts help, and Marlow believes that he’s saved Jim from a life of alcoholism or even starvation. Jim doesn’t have words to express his appreciation, since a clean slate to start again is what he wants most in the world. But despite Jim’s excitement, Marlow is less sure about whether anyone’s slate can truly be wiped clean.
Marlow’s paternal attitude toward Jim is full of genuine sympathy, but there is also a part of Marlow that sees Jim’s worst tendencies—which is why he’s so eager to stop Jim from succumbing to them. Marlow’s greater experience allows him to grasp why no one’s slate is ever wiped fully clean.
Themes
