Joseph Conrad, born Josef Teodor Konrad Nalecz Korzeniowski on December 3,
1857, in a part of Russia that was once Polish territory, became a master of
English prose despite his Polish origins. His parents, Apollo and Evelina, were
both fervent Polish nationalists, although they approached their cause from
different perspectives. Conrad’s early life was marked by political upheaval
and personal tragedy, shaping both his worldview and his literary themes.
Influences of Parental Ideologies
Apollo and Evelina, members of the landed gentry, held strong but differing
beliefs about Poland's liberation. Apollo, driven by romantic idealism, was
prepared to sacrifice everything for the cause. Evelina, on the other hand,
believed in achieving freedom through quiet resilience and survival under
foreign rule. These contrasting ideologies deeply influenced young Conrad’s
perspective on life and politics.
A Father’s Literary and Political Pursuits
Apollo devoted his life to literature and the fight for Polish independence.
While his original works held little literary value, his translations of Victor
Hugo and Shakespeare into Polish were significant. In 1862, he founded a
literary journal, Fortnightly Review, and participated in organizing
resistance against Russian control. His activism led to his arrest and exile to
northern Russia, where he longed for his family’s presence.
Exile and Personal Loss
Conrad's mother, Evelina, already in delicate health, succumbed to the harsh
conditions of exile, passing away in 1865 at the age of thirty-four. Her death
prompted authorities to allow Apollo to relocate to southern Russia.
Tuberculosis claimed him a few years later, and he spent his final days in
Cracow, dying in 1869. These early losses haunted Conrad and drove him to seek
escape from the shadows of his past.
Teenage Challenges and Themes of Guilt
Orphaned by the age of eleven, Conrad was left in the care of his uncle,
Thaddeus Bobrowski. Witnessing his parents' struggles instilled in him a desire
to leave Poland, coupled with feelings of guilt and betrayal for abandoning his
homeland. Such emotions found their way into his later works, notably in
Lord Jim, where themes of desertion and moral quandary are
explored.
A Passion for Exploration
Conrad’s upbringing convinced him of the need to explore the world. He
famously declared, “When I grow up I shall go there,” while pointing to Africa
on a map, foreshadowing his journey to the Belgian Congo that inspired
Heart of Darkness. Travel offered him a means to achieve economic
independence and adventure, as well as an escape from political turbulence.
The Allure of the Sea and French Influence
Attracted by the French merchant marine, Conrad set sail from Marseilles at
age sixteen, aided by his uncle’s shipping connections. Despite never having
seen the sea, he was drawn by tales of adventure from authors like Victor Hugo.
His decision to become a sailor was seen as a cultural betrayal by his Polish
relatives, yet it marked the beginning of a rich and storied maritime
career.
Adventures on French Shores
Conrad spent four years aboard French ships, voyaging to the West Indies and
the Americas. He encountered Spanish rebels and engaged in gun smuggling,
experiences that later influenced Nostromo and The Arrow of
Gold. A dramatic shipwreck off the Spanish coast forced him to flee to
France, concluding his French seafaring adventures.
Transition to British Citizenship
After reaching the age of twenty, Conrad shifted his allegiance to the British merchant navy, partly to avoid conscription into Russian forces and partly to advance his career by learning English. This decision ultimately led him to his English literary career. In 1886, Conrad became a British citizen and passed his exams to...
become a master mariner, signifying a settled life choice.
Years at Sea and Literary Beginnings
For sixteen years, Conrad sailed with British ships, experiencing events
that would later populate his narratives. His command of the Otago and
journey to the Belgian Congo provided material for works like The Secret
Sharer and Heart of Darkness. Health challenges from these
adventures prompted him to transition gradually from seaman to writer.
The Writer Emerges
Conrad began his first novel, Almayer’s Folly, in 1889, not
initially seeing himself as a writer. Edward Garnett’s endorsement led to its
publication in 1894 and encouraged further literary pursuits. Although he
continued seeking maritime commands, by 1898, he committed to writing,
producing nearly a book a year over the next thirteen years.
Family Life and Literary Success
Despite modest living conditions, supporting a family was financially
challenging for Conrad. In 1913, his novel Chance achieved popular
success, expanding his audience. His friendships with literary figures like
Stephen Crane and H. G. Wells provided support, although he remained largely
detached from literary trends of his time.
Philosophical Depth in Adventure
Conrad’s works, often compared to Melville and London, delve beneath their
adventurous surfaces to explore psychological and moral complexities. His
characters grapple with profound dilemmas, their responses shaping their
destinies. Conrad’s narratives are layered with symbolism and myth, requiring
thoughtful engagement from readers.
Enduring Legacy
Conrad adopted “Joseph Conrad” as his pen name to avoid the frequent
misspelling of his Polish name in maritime records. His transformation of
maritime experiences into art ensured his status as a seminal twentieth-century
British novelist. Despite lifelong health issues, Conrad left a significant
mark on literature, illustrating the power of resilience and creativity.