Conrad explores the theme of pride in this book, especially through the Professor. In fact, calling it "pride" might even be the understatement of the century. The Professor is a completely insane egomaniac, possessed by the total certainty that he's stronger and greater than everyone else. He is small in stature, and doesn't really have anything to prove that he's so great other than the fact that he's willing to blow himself up just to show how untouchable he is. Conrad has very little time for people who are convinced of their self-importance, and by constantly confronting the Professor with the London masses, Conrad reveals just how much individualism and a personal sense of greatness is just a fantasy that destroys compassion.
Questions About Pride
- What does the Professor believe in? Would it be proper to call him an anarchist? Is he the only true anarchist in the book?
- Why does the Professor feel the need to return to his room after spending too much time on London's streets?
- Do you think the Professor really has the willpower to blow himself up? Why or why not?
- Which other characters in the book exhibit pride? How is their pride similar to or different from the Professor's?
Chew on This
Ultimately, the narrator of The Secret Agent sets up the Professor as being emotionally stronger than any other character.
Through the Professor, Joseph Conrad shows us how the desire to be better than other people is stupid, since were all going to die someday anyway.