Lord Jim

Marlow goes to see Stein in his study. Stein’s house is full of equipment and specimens from his time as a naturalist, most notably some butterflies. Stein was born in Bavaria and took part in a revolution in his 20s, escaping to start a new life selling cheap watches. He slowly built his business up to something more impressive, working in Asia and the Middle East.

When an assassination disrupts the political situation where Stein was working, he starts life again and builds up a new fortune.  At first, he goes on sea voyages, but as he ages, he falls back to managing an office of white and Chinese clerks.

During their meeting, Stein talks with Marlow about the wonder of bugs and how nature creates masterpieces, although man himself is no masterpiece. He tells Marlow stories of his past adventures in the Middle East. Marlow then tells Stein about how he’s there to talk about a “specimen” of a sort. Stein thinks Marlow is talking about a “butterfly,” but Marlow is actually referring to Jim.

Marlow tells Stein about Jim, and Stein grasps at once that Jim is a romantic. They talk about what a man like Jim must want out of life, how he must struggle against the realization that he might not be able to make his dreams come true. They avoid actually saying Jim’s name, talking instead about ideals without putting flesh and blood to them. Stein invites Marlow to sleep over so that they can discuss practical matters in the morning.

Stein says it’s both very good and very bad that Jim has such romantic tendencies. Stein talks about how, despite his successes, he still let many dreams slip away. He goes away to his room, and he and Marlow both sleep.