An Outcast of the Islands: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
An Outcast of the Islands: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
An Outcast of the Islands is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Conrad, Joseph (1857–1924).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"An Outcast of the Islands" by Joseph Conrad is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story explores the complex lives of its characters against the backdrop of colonial settings in the East Indies, focusing particularly on themes of identity, betrayal, and moral ambiguity. The protagonist, Willems, is a conflicted character whose ambition and actions lead him to a precarious position on the fringes of society, suggesting a deeper commentary on colonial exploitation and personal downfall. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Willems, a man who struggles with his identity and morality. He initially views a misguided venture into dishonesty as a minor detour, believing he can easily return to his virtuous life. As he interacts with his wife Joanna and the Da Souza family, it becomes clear that his sense of superiority derived from his European status is shallow and ultimately fragile. In a critical scene, Willems experiences a dramatic confrontation with Joanna, revealing the tensions in their relationship that stem from his arrogance and neglect. The opening sets a tone of impending tragedy, establishing Willems as a man increasingly alienated from those around him and foreshadowing the chaotic moral landscape he must navigate.
Book and edition facts
- Title: An Outcast of the Islands
- Author credits: Conrad, Joseph (1857–1924)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Betrayal -- Fiction
- Clerks -- Fiction
- Europeans -- Southeast Asia -- Fiction
- Lingard, Tom (Fictitious character) -- Fiction
- Psychological fiction
- Southeast Asia -- Fiction
- Trading companies -- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: British Literature
- Category: Novels
Read this edition
View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.
Sources
More in Books & Authors
Keep reading
