Joseph Conrad's Under Western Eyes emerged during a pivotal period in his career, yet it initially faced criticism for its grave and detached subject matter. Released in the wake of Nostromo and The Secret Agent, the novel struggled to capture the public's attention despite its thematic depth. Over time, however, critical acclaim has re-evaluated the work, now recognizing it as one of Conrad's most profound literary achievements.

Conrad's Russian Exploration

In crafting Under Western Eyes, Conrad sought to demystify the Russian psyche for a Western audience often misled by superficial portrayals. The novel serves as a trenchant critique of Russia, reflecting Conrad's perception of its unchanging mentality pre- and post-revolution. Although the novel's Dostoevskian elements have been noted, Conrad's disdain for Fyodor Dostoevski suggests that the work may have been, at least partially, a rebuttal rather than an homage.

The Deception of Appearances

The theme of deceptive appearances threads through the narrative, particularly embodied by the character of Razumov. His reserved nature leads others to view him as intellectually and morally robust, when in reality, he is a canvas upon which others project their ideals. This misperception begins with Haldin, who mistakenly sees Razumov as a trustworthy ally, ultimately leading to his own demise. Razumov's encounters reveal a gulf between perception and reality, underscoring the novel's irony as characters continuously misjudge him and their surroundings.

The Tyranny of Words

Another central theme in Under Western Eyes is the formidable power of language. For the novel’s narrator, the quintessential trait of the Russian character is its verbosity. In stark contrast, Razumov's habitual silence sets him apart, ironically fostering a false aura of reliability among his peers, including Haldin.

The novel portrays words as inherently elusive and obfuscating. Nathalie's speech about ideas leaves the narrator puzzled, the meaning drifting "beyond my reach." For Russians, as depicted, silence is fraught with danger, a lesson Haldin tragically overlooks when trusting Razumov.

The Battle with Truth

Razumov's journey of deception illustrates the destructive potential of language. He manipulates others' words as a tool for deceit and revels in the misinterpretations it breeds. Despite his manipulative tendencies, Razumov is a poor candidate for subterfuge, continually teetering on the edge of confession, a fact overlooked by Mikulin.

In Geneva, as Razumov navigates the revolutionary milieu, his engagement with lies intensifies. His interactions involve complex layers of truth and deceit, culminating in a confession motivated by a desperate need to "escape from the prison of lies." His rebellion against falsehood drives him to seek the solace of silence and invisibility, viewed as blessings in his perception of Russia's social landscape.

Silence: A Double-Edged Sword

Razumov's reliance on silence is a pivotal cause of his initial conflict with Haldin, and later, it is the silence of Mrs. Haldin during a crucial conversation that precipitates his admission to Nathalie. Paradoxically, Razumov's silence becomes his downfall, as it engenders trust and misinterpretation in equal measure.

Ultimately, Razumov's silence undermines him. While it affords him a veneer of strength and reliability, it also alienates him from others and from his own potential for connection. In embracing isolation, Razumov reflects Conrad's exploration of the perils inherent in a lack of solidarity, underscoring the novel's enduring relevance in dissecting the complexities of human character and societal dynamics.