In Joseph Conrad’s works Lord Jim and “Youth,” the topic of a young male’s development is central. In their respective stories, our main characters Jim and Marlow, are faced with trials by sea; the tales depict relatively inexperienced men of their profession, and our protagonists encounter elemental struggles in a natural environment. We shall see how the prospects of adventure and glory appeal to our heroes; however, the obstacles they face promise only …showed first 75 words of 2497 total…

…showed last 75 words of 2497 total…our lives our determined. This is the reason Marlow recalls memories favorably, whereas Jim is driven to the ends of the earth, perpetually in search of a new destiny: “Tell me, wasn't that the best time, that time when we were young at sea; young and had nothing, on the sea that gives nothing, except hard knocks - and sometimes a chance to feel your strength - that only - what you all regret?” (Youth, 116)