Reflections on Joseph Conrad's First Profession

Abstract

The author of this article first refers to the influence of Joseph Conrad's seamanship on his sea novels and then examines thoroughly the writer's personal circumstances such as his motives for going to sea, and the inevitable clash of his refined manners and education, as well as his sensitivity, with the predominant vulgarity on board ship. The article goes on to point out the young seaman's disappointment on finding far more monotony than romanticism in life at sea, and to suggest the writer's sublimation of his thirst for adventures as a basis for his literary creativity. Finally the author discusses other aspects of Conrad's life such as his attitude to the sea and ships and his love of seafaring.