The Secret Agent · Theme

Futility of Violence

How The Secret Agent develops Futility of Violence.

The bombing attempt results in Stevie's accidental death and achieves nothing, underscoring the pointlessness of violent acts and the tragic consequences for innocent victims.

Where it surfaces

Author's Note
Conrad emphasizes the 'criminal futility' of anarchist doctrine and action, and describes the Greenwich bombing as a 'bloodstained inanity' with no idea behind it.
Chapter IV
The debate between Ossipon and the Professor questions the effectiveness of violent acts, with the Professor's logic appearing detached and potentially self-defeating.
XIII
The Professor's dream of extermination is presented as a mad, futile ideal.