How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"Nothing could be more true: he had indeed jumped into an everlasting deep hole. He had tumbled from a height he could never scale again." (10.1)
The imagery of falling also acts as a metaphor for Jim's fall from grace – his ruined reputation. He's in for some serious bumps and bruises.
Quote #8
"'Man is born a coward [...] It is a difficulty – parbleu! It would be too easy otherwise. But habit – habit – necessity – do you see? – the eyes of others – voila. One puts up with it. And then the example of others who are no better than yourself, and yet make good countenance...'" (13.5)
According to the French Lieutenant, the only thing that prevents men from behaving like cowards is the fact that others are watching them. That's a depressing view of humankind, sure, but it rings true in Lord Jim, where your reputation means everything.
Quote #9
"The time was coming when I should see him loved, trusted, admired, with a legend of strength and prowess forming round his name as though he had been the stuff of a hero." (16.1)
Hey, at least there's hope for poor Jimmy. In this glimpse of Jim's future on Patusan, Marlow assures us that Jim will regain his reputation. The only question we have at this point is whether he will do so by facing his past, or pretending it never happened.