Work, Inheritance, and Deserts in Joseph Conrad's Fiction

The book explores how Joseph Conrad's fiction engages with changing modes of inheritance and work, critiquing claims of desert from both sources and portraying the emotional costs and existential angst associated with these beliefs. It offers a fresh perspective on Conrad's works and addresses contemporary debates on moral desert from work and inheritance.

Format: Hardback
Length: 155 pages
Publication date: 21 August 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This captivating book delves into the intricate interplay between inheritance, work, and desert in literature, unveiling a profound transformation in the concept of inheritance over time. From its initial manifestation in Victorian fiction's trope of material inheritance and legacy, "inheritance" evolved to encompass more contemporary meanings in Joseph Conrad's fiction, particularly in his exploration of work and self-making. Effectively, the emphasis shifted from inherited social rank and wealth to a recognition of talent, ability, and merit, often expressed through one's work.

The book embarks on a fascinating exploration of how Conrad's fiction engaged with these evolving modes of inheritance and work, unraveling the resulting claims of desert that emerged. Uniquely, it argues that Conrad's fiction critiques both claims of desert arising from work and inheritance, while simultaneously capturing the emotional toll and existential angst associated with these beliefs. This argument holds significant relevance in today's debates on moral desert, particularly in the context of meritocratic ideals.

By offering a fresh perspective on Conrad's works, this book appeals to students and scholars of Conrad and literary modernism, as well as a broader audience interested in philosophical and social discussions on desert derived from inheritance and work. Through its meticulous analysis and insightful interpretations, the book provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics between these three fundamental aspects of human existence and offers a thought-provoking examination of the moral implications of our beliefs and actions.

Weight: 355g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811925832
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022