# Betrayal and Guilt in Under Western Eyes

> Theme guide for Under Western Eyes by Joseph Conrad.

Razumov's betrayal of the revolutionary Haldin to the authorities drives the narrative, leading to profound psychological torment, guilt, and a desperate need for confession and redemption.

## Where it surfaces

- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/under_western_eyes_se/chapters/part-i-i): Razumov's internal conflict and his decision to betray Haldin to protect his own future.
- [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/under_western_eyes_se/chapters/part-i-iii): Razumov's numbness and self-justification after betraying Haldin highlight the psychological toll of betrayal, as he repeatedly insists he told no lies while grappling with overwhelming guilt.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/under_western_eyes_se/chapters/part-iv-i): Razumov's betrayal of Haldin and his subsequent recruitment as a spy are driven by guilt and the need to escape his past, yet he remains trapped by his own actions.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/under_western_eyes_se/chapters/part-iv-iv): Razumov's public confession and his internal torment highlight the central theme of betrayal and the crushing weight of guilt.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/under_western_eyes_se/chapters/part-iv-v): Razumov's public confession and his lifelong guilt are central; Nikita's double betrayal underscores the theme.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/under_western_eyes_se/themes/betrayal_and_guilt
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/under_western_eyes_se/themes