Of the three stories in this volume, it is "Heart of Darkness" that stands out in most people's minds. It is generally regarded as Conrad's greatest and most significant work, blurring the boundaries between the civilized and the so-called uncivilized, as exemplified by the character of Kurtz. This realization seals Kurtz's fate and haunts the narrator, Marlow, until the end of his days—or at least the end of this book—since Marlow also appears in several other of Conrad's stories and novels. In terms of form, what is most fascinating is that the psychological exploration of Kurtz takes place after his death, as Marlow reflects on and discloses his conversations with the man and also reveals his writing and descent into the void, the abyss.

However, for my interest, it is the other two stories that are the most captivating. "The End of the Tether" and "Youth: A Narrative" both lean more towards the melancholy and elegiac tones that Conrad would frequently employ. Not the total darkness that enshrouds Marlow, Kurtz, and the reader in "Heart of Darkness." The two earlier stories seem more in line with what I consider to be Conrad's greatest work, Lord Jim, and anticipate much of what will come in other stories and novels.

"Youth" and "End of the Tether" complement each other perfectly. "Youth" depicts a young seaman obtaining his first position of authority as the second mate on a vessel carrying coal from London to Bangkok. The young sailor's joy at experiencing adventure and challenges is contrasted with that of the 60-year-old captain aboard. The old man has just received his first command, but it turns into a disaster for him and an enlightenment for the young Marlow, who is both the protagonist and narrator of this tale. It opens him to the exotic East, even as it leaves the old man, Captain Beard, broken and devastated.

The opposite is the case in "End of the Tether," where the focus is on the aged Captain Whalley, attempting to make just one last voyage as the captain of his vessel. Already isolated and penniless, the victim of misfortune and corruption, Whalley also harbors a fatal secret that leads to his downfall. All of the optimism and thirst for experience that drive Marlow throughout the pages of "Youth" are absent in "End of the Tether," replaced by the lost remnants of the past. Exhaustion pervades the atmosphere. Exhaustion with life. Even exhaustion with the sea. Only one motivation remains: duty.

"Over-Rated Classic. Not Impressed." This statement sums up my feelings towards a particular classic work. Many people rave about this so-called classic, but for me, it fails to live up to the hype. The story may have been revolutionary in its time, but when judged by today's standards, it seems rather平淡无奇. The characters lack depth and the plot is predictable. I found myself yawning through most of it, waiting for something exciting to happen.

Perhaps my expectations were too high, but I truly believe that this classic has been over-rated. There are many other works out there that are far more deserving of the title. It's time to re-evaluate our perception of this so-called classic and give credit where credit is due.

Here are 3 fine stories that take us on a captivating journey. Each story is a profound exploration into the minds of briny men. These men come from a world that has long since vanished. Through these tales, we are able to catch a glimpse of their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. The stories paint a vivid picture of a bygone era, filled with adventure, struggle, and the unique charm of a world that no longer exists. We are drawn into their lives, sharing in their joys and sorrows, and gaining a deeper understanding of the human spirit. These stories are not just entertainment, but a window into a past that we can only imagine. They remind us of the importance of history and the power of storytelling to keep the memories of those who came before us alive.

Like sailing? Do you have a passion for boats? Then this collection is definitely for you!

It is filled with loads of fascinating detail and nautical terms that will surely captivate any sailing enthusiast. However, it's important to note that it also contains the standard imperialistic views towards non-whites that were prevalent during that era. But compared to others of the same time period, such as Kipling (cough cough), it is perhaps a bit less extreme.

Among the three works in this collection, Heart of Darkness stands out as the best. It offers a unique and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition and the dark side of imperialism. Nevertheless, each of the works has something of note, whether it's a particular scene, a well-developed character, or an interesting plot twist. Overall, this collection is a must-read for anyone interested in sailing, boats, or the history and literature of the imperialistic era.

Youth is truly a spectacular short story. The writing throughout is engaging, but it is particularly at the end that it becomes breathtaking.

This was an enormous, wistful treat for me. Heart of Darkness is, obviously, a big and exceptional work. I have read it many times before.

However, The End of the Tether was a different story. I simply couldn't finish it. This collection of stories is a smart grouping.

It's quite revealing to me that the older man in Tether questioning his purpose in the world drove me nuts, while the middle-aged man in Youth pondering the full spirit of his youth was so beautiful.

I simply cannot get enough of Conrad. I expect to read and reread his works forever. His stories have a depth and complexity that keep drawing me back, and I am eager to explore more of his literary genius.

Each story offers a unique perspective on life, love, and the human condition, and I am constantly amazed by his ability to capture these themes so powerfully. Conrad is truly a master of the written word.

Symbols and languages can sometimes be like jungles, full of complexity and mystery.

They seem to have an infinite number of elements and combinations that can be overwhelming to understand.

However, just like jungles, they also have certain boundaries and fundamental rules that provide a framework.

These boundaries help to define the meaning and usage of symbols and languages, making it possible to navigate through the chaos and find clarity.

Understanding the basic principles and structures of symbols and languages is essential for effective communication and expression.

It allows us to decode the messages hidden within them and convey our own thoughts and ideas accurately.

By exploring the jungles of symbols and languages, we can discover new ways of seeing the world and expand our cognitive horizons.

So, although they may seem intimidating at first, with patience and perseverance, we can unlock the secrets of these complex systems and use them to our advantage.

"Comme l'on serait savant si l'on connaissait bien seulement cinq a six livres." Gustave Flaubert

This profound statement by Gustave Flaubert highlights the power and significance of a few select books. It implies that true knowledge and wisdom can be attained by deeply understanding just a handful of literary works. A masterpiece of world literature, this quote encourages us to approach reading with a sense of depth and focus. Instead of simply skimming through numerous books, we should strive to engage with a few exceptional ones on a profound level. By doing so, we can gain insights into the human condition, explore different perspectives, and expand our intellectual horizons. It reminds us that quality trumps quantity when it comes to literary exploration, and that a careful study of a few great works can have a transformative impact on our lives.

"Heart of Darkness" holds significance, yet "Youth" is truly the gem within this collection.

It stands as one of the greatest short stories in the English language. Regrettably, it is too lengthy for inclusion in some high school British Literature textbooks.

Moreover, it serves as one of the better illustrations of Conrad's humor. Consider the line, "I thought people who had been blown up deserved more attention."

This collection is truly remarkable. It offers readers a profound exploration of various themes and showcases Conrad's literary prowess.

"Youth" in particular captivates with its engaging narrative and vivid characters.

Despite its exclusion from some textbooks, it remains a must-read for anyone interested in English literature.

Conrad's ability to blend humor with depth makes this story all the more engaging and memorable.

Overall, this collection is a treasure trove of literary excellence.