# Futility of Violence in The Secret Agent

> Theme guide for The Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad.

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_agent_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_agent_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_agent_se/chapters/xiii): The Professor's dream of extermination is presented as a mad, futile ideal.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_agent_se/themes/the_futility_of_violence
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_agent_se/themes