48 pages • 1 hour read
Joseph ConradThe Secret Agent
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1907A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad follows Adolf Verloc, a secret agent in 1886 London, who is forced by his employer to orchestrate a bombing at the Greenwich Observatory to prove his worth. Verloc's involvement with anarchists and the police, coupled with using his wife's brother as a pawn, leads to disastrous and tragic consequences for his family. The plot incorporates elements of espionage, familial strife, and satire.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Joseph Conrad's The Secret Agent is lauded for its intricate narrative and psychological depth, offering a compelling critique of anarchism and espionage. However, some readers find the pacing slow and the prose dense. While the novel's dark themes and complex characters are admired, these elements may not appeal to all audiences.
Who Should Read The Secret Agent?
Readers who relish delving into political intrigue and psychological depth will appreciate Joseph Conrad's The Secret Agent. Fans of Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment or Orwell's 1984 will find the novel’s exploration of anarchism, espionage, and moral ambiguity compelling. Ideal for those who enjoy dense, thought-provoking narratives.