In Joseph Conrad's "Under Western Eyes," the author explores the tension between language and reality. He suggests that words often distort the true essence of experiences, leading to a disconnect between perception and truth. This theme highlights the limitations of language in fully capturing human emotions and experiences.

The quote "Words, as is well known, are the great foes of reality" encapsulates this idea, emphasizing that while words are necessary for communication, they can also misrepresent and obscure the complexities of real life. Conrad invites readers to consider the shortcomings of linguistic expression when it comes to understanding the world around us.