# How does The Inheritors develop the theme of Futility of Resistance?

> The Inheritors by Joseph Conrad

## Answer

The Inheritors by Joseph Conrad develops Futility of Resistance across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

Characters who cling to the old ways, like the narrator and Churchill, are ultimately powerless against the tide of change. The narrative suggests that resistance is futile, and the 'inheritors' will inevitably triumph, leaving the old order to fade into a 'past of shadows.'

Despite rejecting the woman's offer, the narrator's struggle against the inevitable rise of the 'inheritors' suggests resistance may be futile.

Churchill's sense of impotence in politics and Jenkins' failed career evoke a sense of inevitable defeat.

The audience at Churchill's speech is described as struggling against an inexorable force dragging them forward, like a nation hauled over a glacier.

## Evidence

- [the-inheritors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_inheritors_se/chapters/the-inheritors.md): Despite rejecting the woman's offer, the narrator's struggle against the inevitable rise of the 'inheritors' suggests resistance may be futile.
- [vii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_inheritors_se/chapters/vii.md): Churchill's sense of impotence in politics and Jenkins' failed career evoke a sense of inevitable defeat.
- [xv](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_inheritors_se/chapters/xv.md): The audience at Churchill's speech is described as struggling against an inexorable force dragging them forward, like a nation hauled over a glacier.
- [xviii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_inheritors_se/chapters/xviii.md): Despite his apparent triumph, the narrator realizes he has gained nothing and is haunted by the destruction he caused, suggesting resistance to the past is futile.

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