A man that is born, falls into a dream like a man who falls into the sea. To what extent could Stein's comment in Lord Jim be taken as a final assessment of the character of Jim?

The ‘Dream’ State and Jim’s Initial Idealism

Stein’s metaphor of falling into a dream speaks to the inherent human tendency to construct illusions and live within self-deception. Jim, at the outset, embodies a particularly potent form of this ‘dream’. He is driven by a romanticized vision of heroism and self-sacrifice, fueled by stories and a desire to prove his worth. This idealism, however, is fragile and untested. His belief in his own inherent goodness and capacity for noble action is a form of self-delusion, a ‘dream’ that collapses spectacularly when faced with the reality of the *Patna* incident.

The Fall from Grace and the Weight of Shame

The abandonment of the *Patna* is the pivotal moment that shatters Jim’s ‘dream’. His act, born not of malice but of a paralyzing fear and a flawed sense of honor, condemns him to a life of self-imposed exile and relentless pursuit of redemption. The shame he feels is not merely social; it is a profound existential anguish stemming from the realization that he has failed to live up to his own idealized self-image. He attempts to escape the consequences of his actions, moving from one location to another, constantly seeking a place where he can rebuild his reputation and reclaim his lost honor. This constant movement is itself a manifestation of the ‘dream’ – a futile attempt to outrun his past.

Attempts at Redemption and the Illusion of Patusan

Jim finds a temporary respite in Patusan, where he establishes himself as a respected leader and protector. He appears to have finally found a place where he can live up to his ideals, becoming a ‘tuan besar’ (great lord) and earning the trust of the local population. However, even in Patusan, the ‘dream’ persists. Jim’s success is predicated on a carefully constructed illusion, a deliberate attempt to recreate the heroic persona he once aspired to be. His relationship with Dain Waris, and his subsequent involvement in the Bugis uprising, demonstrate that his underlying flaws remain. He is still susceptible to making decisions based on flawed judgment and a desire to prove himself, rather than on pragmatic considerations.

The Inevitable Collapse and Stein’s Assessment Confirmed

The final act of the novel, Jim’s deliberate acceptance of death at the hands of Doramin, can be interpreted as both a noble act of self-sacrifice and a confirmation of Stein’s pessimistic view. While Jim chooses to die rather than betray his principles, his decision is ultimately rooted in a desire to maintain the illusion of his own integrity. He seeks to control his narrative, to die as the hero he always believed himself to be. This final act, while seemingly courageous, is arguably another manifestation of the ‘dream’ – a desperate attempt to impose meaning on a meaningless existence. Stein’s observation, therefore, rings true: Jim’s life, from its idealistic beginnings to its tragic end, is a descent into a self-created illusion, a ‘dream’ from which there is no awakening.

Nuances and Counterarguments

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the nuances. Jim’s struggle is not simply a descent into self-deception. He genuinely desires to be a good man, and his attempts at redemption, however flawed, are evidence of his inherent moral compass. Furthermore, Conrad’s narrative is not entirely devoid of hope. The character of Stein himself represents a degree of understanding and compassion, suggesting that even in a world dominated by illusion, genuine connection and empathy are possible. Therefore, while Stein’s comment offers a powerful and insightful assessment of Jim’s character, it is not necessarily a definitive or exhaustive one.