Conrad isn't impressed with snooty upper-class people, and he likes to satirize them whenever he gets a chance. Society and class is also a dominant theme in The Secret Agent because its exactly what Verloc believes he's protecting. He strives to protect upper class people from the same filthy masses who get a lot of sympathy from people like Michaelis and Karl Yundt.
Mr. Vladimir, although he's at odds with Verloc, also wants to protect the privilege that the upper classes have at the expense of the lower classes. During Conrad's time, a lot of Marxists and anarchists were instigating for massive social change in Europe. Conrad explores many of the tensions that were very prevalent in society while he was writing this book.
Questions About Society and Class
- What can you conclusively say about Conrad's take on social class divisions in England? Ultimately, does he side with the upper crust or with the anarchists trying to transform society? Does he side with neither?
- What exactly does Verloc seek to protect through his work? How is he personally invested in the right of upper-class people to be lazy and idle?
- What is the books overall representation of the "great lady" who takes Michaelis into her care? What is this woman like? How has her wealth affected her personality?
Chew on This
In The Secret Agent, Conrad criticizes the stark division between the upper and lower classes, but ultimately shows that there is no preferable alternative way of organizing society.
The Secret Agent shows us that society is not organized in a fair way because human beings are naturally selfish and cruel.