I am stupid, am I not? What more can I want? If you ask them who is brave--who is true--who is just--who is it they would trust with their lives?--they would say, Tuan Jim. And yet they can never know the real, real truth....
The quote from "Lord Jim" reflects the internal struggle of the protagonist, Jim, who grapples with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Despite the admiration he receives from others, he questions his own courage, integrity, and worthiness. Jim’s character embodies the conflict between one's public persona and private fears, highlighting the disconnect between how others perceive him and how he views himself.
This passage emphasizes the complexity of human nature, illustrating that even those regarded as brave and honorable can harbor insecurities. Jim is portrayed as a figure of trust and bravery in the eyes of others, yet he feels a profound disconnection from the truth of his own character. It serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles individuals face in reconciling their self-image with societal expectations.