The Secret Agent · Question
How does The Secret Agent develop the theme of Moral Squalor and Corruption?
Answer
The Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad develops Moral Squalor and Corruption across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The novel depicts a sordid London underworld of shady shops, poverty, and moral decay, where characters like Verloc and the Professor embody a profound lack of ethical restraint.
Conrad addresses criticisms of the tale's 'sordid surroundings and moral squalor,' and defends his detachment from the squalor and sordidness of the setting.
The anarchist talk of cruelty and violence, the squalid shop, and Verloc's commercial survey of his failing business underscore the moral decay surrounding the characters.
The Professor's cold, amoral justification for giving explosives to anyone and his disdain for conventional morality underscore the moral decay within the anarchist circle.
Evidence in the book
- Author's Note
Conrad addresses criticisms of the tale's 'sordid surroundings and moral squalor,' and defends his detachment from the squalor and sordidness of the setting.
- Chapter III
The anarchist talk of cruelty and violence, the squalid shop, and Verloc's commercial survey of his failing business underscore the moral decay surrounding the characters.
- Chapter IV
The Professor's cold, amoral justification for giving explosives to anyone and his disdain for conventional morality underscore the moral decay within the anarchist circle.
- Chapter VI
The Assistant Commissioner's self-deception and the police's manipulative tactics reflect moral decay.
- Chapter VII
The wet, greasy, black London night and the 'authorised scoundrelism' of spies reflect a corrupt moral landscape.
- Chapter X
The corruption within the Embassy and the use of agent provocateurs highlight moral decay in political institutions.
- XII
The sordid aftermath of the murder, Ossipon's opportunistic yet horrified reaction, and the grim setting of the closed shop underscore the moral decay surrounding the characters.
- XIII
Ossipon's inheritance of secret-service money and his descent into drinking and ruin.
