Lord Jim Lesson Plan

Compare the way Jim and Marlow regard Cornelius.

Begin this discussion by asking readers what they think of Cornelius: will he continue to pose a danger to Jim after his failed assassination attempt? Is Cornelius actually worth fretting over, or has he proven himself to be annoying, but incompetent?

As readers, it's likely that students will assume this isn't the last we've seen of Cornelius. Most of us are familiar enough with literary conventions that it's clear he will continue to pose a problem until the end of the novel. As our primary narrator, Marlow shares this sentiment. He seems Cornelius as a "blemish" on Jim's otherwise perfect life, and believes this...