Readers will very likely be reminded of contemporary terrorist acts and situations, whether involving international terrorists in European cities, or acts of domestic violence in the United States by antigovernment agitators. Discussion could focus on the nature of terrorist groups and the motives which entice people to become involved in causes which induce acts of violence against society and governments.

Another area to pursue is the flawed marriage of Verloc and Winnie Verloc. In what ways is Winnie a victim of her husband's sexual aggression as well as his petty schemes? What justification does Winnie have for her tragic act of murdering Verloc? Perhaps Winnie Verloc's marriage can be seen as a paradigm of many Victorian marriages, which were apparently placid on the surface, but tarnished by the husband's attempt to dominate matters.

1. What elements of The Secret Agent seem to have contemporary relevance? What comments does the novel make about the nature of terrorist activities?

2. Discuss Conrad's handling of Stevie as a character. What makes Stevie a sympathetic character?

3. What is the British government's attitude toward the terrorist activities of Verloc and his circle? What picture of the authorities is offered by Conrad? To what degree is this view a satirical one?

4. Describe as many instances of irony as you can find in Conrad's treatment of the attempted bombing of the Greenwich Observatory.

5. In what ways is Ossipon an unsympathetic character? Is his final betrayal of Winnie Verloc to be expected?

6. How does Verloc's method of making a living offer an indication of his attitude toward his wife, especially as it is revealed in her moment of grief?

7. Is the Professor insane, or merely carrying his theories to a logical conclusion?

8. What purpose does the Russian government have for creating an act of terrorism in Great Britain?

9. What are the main reasons for Winnie Verloc's suicide? What is the cause of her greatest sorrow, the loss of her brother, the murder she commits, or her betrayal by Ossipon?

10. Compare Winnie to other famous tragic heroines, such as Thomas Hardy's Tess in Tess of the D'Urbervilles (1891; see separate entry) and Gustave Flaubert's Emma Bovary in Madame Bovary(1857)?

11. What is Conrad's view of terrorist activities? Are they merely sordid and petty, or do they constitute a genuine threat to civilization? What might be Conrad's view of international terrorism today?