Joseph Conrad

Joseph Conrad

Joseph Conrad (born Józef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowski; December 3, 1857 – August 3, 1924) was a Polish-British novelist and short story writer, recognized as one of the greatest authors in the English language. Born in Berdychiv, Ukraine, Conrad experienced a tumultuous childhood marked by the loss of his parents and later pursued a career at sea, which profoundly influenced his literary works. He became a naturalized British citizen in 1886 and began writing fiction in English, despite it being his third language.

Conrad is best known for his novels Heart of Darkness (1899), Lord Jim (1900), and Nostromo (1904), which explore complex themes of imperialism, human nature, and moral ambiguity. His narrative style often incorporates elements of modernism, particularly through the use of unreliable narrators and intricate psychological depth. Conrad’s works are also characterized by their impressionistic qualities, reflecting his experiences in exotic settings and the existential dilemmas faced by his characters.

His literature has had a lasting impact on modern narrative techniques and has influenced numerous writers, including Virginia Woolf and Ernest Hemingway. Despite facing criticism for some portrayals in his works, Conrad’s exploration of the darker aspects of human existence continues to resonate with readers today.

  • Modernism, Impressionistic
  • 1857
  • Male
  • 1