At the time, various anarchist groups organized their plots against capitalism and monarchies, aiming at causing chaos within developed nations. The novel is set in London in 1886 amid the surge of terrorist activities throughout Europe. The structure and the plot of “The Secret Agent” make it a unique example of early 20 th-century literature. In this novel, the author philosophizes on such important matters as the moral aspect of 19 th-century terrorism and its influence on the people involved, which have remained topical until nowadays. “The Secret Agent” is an excellent example of Conrad’s writing in that it deals with a relatively simple story while remaining unique in terms of its political and psychological dimension. Born in Poland, which was controlled by the Russian Empire at the time, he later immigrated to England, bringing his experiences with him. Conrad’s characters are typically controversial and anti-heroic, which evokes strong, yet mixed feelings in the reader. While the writer is often viewed through the prism of early modernism, his style remains representative of 19 th-century realism. Joseph Conrad became one of the most prominent novelists of English literature. Such works of literature are often filled with profound symbolism, which invites the reader on a philosophical journey through the convenient form of an enticing plot.

Even fictional stories demonstrate a certain degree of connection to the issues present in real life. The purpose of literature is to be thought-provoking and to convey strong messages.

The secret agent novel