A young merchant seaman faces a lifelong crisis of conscience after abandoning a ship of pilgrims in a moment of panic. Jim, a gifted but idealistic sailor, struggles to reconcile his romanticized self-image with the reality of his cowardice. His objective is to find redemption and restore his honor, a pursuit that leads him from the maritime courts of inquiry to the remote jungles of Southeast Asia. The narrative framework employs a complex, non-linear structure, primarily relayed through the perspective of Marlow, who acts as a mediator between Jim’s internal state and the external judgment of society.

Discussion often centers on the intricate narrative structure and the moral ambiguity surrounding Jim’s actions. Readers frequently highlight the effectiveness of Marlow as a narrator, noting how his subjective observations add depth to the protagonist's internal conflict. Critics often examine the text as a critique of imperialist ideals and the fragility of human character under pressure. The prose is noted for its density and atmospheric quality, which effectively conveys the isolation of the protagonist. Many readers find the exploration of guilt and the search for redemption to be the most compelling aspects of the work.