ABSTRACT
By the end of 'Heart of Darkness' we are made aware of the problematic relationship between action and narrative that becomes one of Conrad's major themes for the rest of his writing career. In Lord Jim, Marlow once again wrestles with the problem of communication, yet here his problems are redoubled by the fact that he struggles even to find a plot for his narrative. The problem of the story of Jim is emphasised through Conrad's layers of narration that expand upon those of 'Heart of Darkness'. Stephen Donovan has usefully explored in detail the historical context for these travellers in the burgeoning tourist industry of the late nineteenth century, in particular the Thomas Cook agency. Jim can only redeem himself through death, finally rendering himself incognito. Jim's failure to honour his duties aboard the Patna and in Patusan indicates the end of the age of romance and the inauguration of the nostalgic age of romance narratives.
