In Joseph Conrad's "Lord Jim," a significant theme revolves around the impact of dreams and aspirations on personal relationships. The protagonist, Jim, finds himself estranged from the woman he loves due to the weight of his ambitions and the burdens of his past failures. His dreams, rather than bringing them closer, create a divide that leads to misunderstanding and distance between them.

This quote reflects the idea that dreams can lead individuals to make choices that unintentionally harm those they care about. Jim's pursuit of his ideals becomes a source of conflict, illustrating how personal aspirations can sometimes drive a wedge in intimate relationships, leaving characters grappling with the consequences of their desires.