Destroyed Illusions

Under Western Eyes 

by Joseph Conrad

“I am quite willing to be the blind instrument of higher ends. To give one's life for the cause is nothing. But to have one's illusions destroyed - that is really almost more than one can bear.”   ― Joseph Conrad, Under Western Eyes

Under Western Eyes by Joseph Conrad is a sophisticated book that explores issues of morality, personal identity, political intrigue, and the conflict between personal conscience and obligation. The novel centers around Razumov, a student in St. Petersburg, who gets entangled in revolutionary politics following the assassination of a Tsarist official by a fellow student, Victor Haldin. Despite his initial apolitical stance, Razumov betrays Haldin to the authorities, which sets off a chain of events that explores his internal and external conflicts.

Razumov's journey is largely about his struggle with his identity. He betrays Haldin not only out of fear but also to align himself with what he perceives as an ordered, rational society over the chaos of revolution. This betrayal haunts him, leading to a profound identity crisis. The novel contrasts the oppressive autocracy of Tsarist Russia with the chaotic, often naive idealism of the revolutionaries. Conrad does not glorify either side, instead presenting a nuanced view where both systems are flawed.

The narrative is framed by an English language teacher in Geneva who tells Razumov's story, providing a "Western eyes" perspective on Russian politics and psychology. This framing questions the understanding, or misunderstanding, of Eastern European issues by Western observers. Conrad explores the gray areas of morality. Characters like Razumov and Sophia Antonovna (Haldin's mother) are not simply good or bad but are shown with their human complexities, making moral judgments difficult. Razumov experiences profound isolation, both self-imposed and imposed by his actions. His alienation peaks in Geneva, where he meets the Russian émigré community yet remains an outsider due to his secret guilt.

Conrad's writing is deep, contemplative, and introspective, with a strong emphasis on his characters' mental states. His use of an unreliable narrator challenges readers to consider the veracity of the story by adding layers of interpretation to the text. Under Western Eyes demonstrates psychological depth while depicting Russian characters through a Western lens. It can be seen as a critique of both Russian autocracy and revolutionary zeal while also reflecting on the nature of storytelling and truth.

I found that the novel remains relevant for its exploration of political and personal betrayal, the clash of ideologies, and the human condition's moral dilemmas. It's a text that invites readers to ponder how political actions intertwine with personal ethics and identity, viewed through the complex lens of "Western eyes."