Truth and Falsehood

Where it surfaces

• Author's Note

  Conrad emphasizes that truth alone is the justification of any fiction claiming artistic quality, and he strove for scrupulous impartiality.

• Under Western Eyes

  The narrator discusses the power of words and the difficulty of discerning reality from documentary evidence, noting that words are 'the great foes of reality.'

• IV

  The narrator's knowledge of Madame de S——'s past and his concern about the 'baser instincts of mankind' versus Nathalie's 'unconsciously lofty ignorance' reflect a tension between hidden truths and naive idealism.

• V

  The narrator considers inventing a story to comfort Mrs. Haldin, highlighting the tension between truth and compassionate deception.

• I

  Razumov reflects that 'all sincerity was an imprudence,' highlighting the tension between truth and deception in his double life as a spy.

• Chapter II

  Razumov plays a role of scorn and derision with Peter Ivanovitch, while internally feeling disgust and unease; he speaks of being 'confessed' but withholds full truth.

• Chapter III

  Razumov's entire conversation with Sophia is a performance of falsehood, concealing his betrayal of Haldin while appearing as a committed revolutionary.

• II

  Razumov's secret report and his internal struggle with the unreality of his spy mission highlight the theme of deception.

• Chapter III

  Razumov's internal struggle with truth is evident as he refrains from telling Mrs. Haldin the full truth about Victor's intentions, and later speaks of 'a living, acting, speaking lie,' underscoring the theme of deception.

• IV

  Razumov contrasts his false confession with his true one, exploring the power and cost of truth versus lies.

• V

  The revelation of Nikita as a spy and the hidden truths about Razumov's confession explore the tension between appearance and reality.