Essay Questions

How does Razumov betray the Russian government and its people?

Razumov is caught between staying with the lies or living in truth when he first meets the love of his life, Natalia. Natalia is a strict straightforward woman, and the only way Razumov can win his love is by telling the truth about his life. In his confession, Razumov agrees that he has been a spy for the Russian government for many years. Additionally, Razumov confesses how he has betrayed the revolutionists by subjecting them to misery. For instance, Razumov is responsible for Hardin’s suffering. Therefore, by revealing that he is a government spy, Razumov betrays the Russian government because that is a personal responsibility. Similarly, subjecting revolutionaries' life to danger is betraying the Russian people who demand change.

How satirical is the evolution discussed in the novel 'Under Western Eyes'?

The primary purpose of the insurrection is to demand change purely. Ironically, the revolution in Russia and Switzerland, as discussed in Russia, is satirical because the radicals' motives are not pure. Most of the participants of this revolution, such as Razumov are clumsy individuals who are just spies of the Russian government but not true revolutionaries. Similarly, most revolutionaries are youths who should be politically liberal, but that is not the case.

According to Conrad, are the intentions of the revolutionaries genuine?

The radicals are against the Russian government for various reasons, including bad governance. However, the tactics used by these revolutionaries to demand their rights makes the reader doubt their intentions. For instance, the revolutionaries are linked to the terrorist attacks that are rampant and killing innocent people. The reader thinks that governance issues are handled through consensus but not violence and terrorism activities that endanger innocent citizens' lives. Therefore, the revolutionaries' intentions are not genuine because they want to disrupt government activities to make them look bad.