"Under Western Eyes" by Joseph Conrad, published in 1987, is a psychological and political novel set in early 20th-century Russia. The story centers on Razumov, a student drawn into the revolutionary turmoil of his time.Brief Overview: The novel explores themes of political ideology, betrayal, and moral ambiguity. Razumov becomes entangled in a conspiracy to assassinate a government official, leading to a profound internal struggle as he grapples with guilt, loyalty, and the consequences of revolutionary actions.As Razumov navigates the complex relationships with other characters, including the enigmatic revolutionary Victor Haldin, the narrative examines the contrasts between Eastern and Western perspectives on politics and ethics.Conrad's work is notable for its deep psychological insight and exploration of identity in a time of upheaval. Through Razumov’s journey, the novel raises questions about the nature of freedom, responsibility, and the impact of ideology on the individual. Overall, "Under Western Eyes" serves as a critical reflection on the nature of revolution and the human condition.

A chapter-wise summary of "Under Western Eyes" by Joseph Conrad, published in 1987:Chapter 1: The Man in the Shadows The story begins with a description of the protagonist, Razumov, a student in St. Petersburg. He becomes embroiled in revolutionary activities, setting the stage for the political tensions that pervade the narrative.Chapter 2: The Revolutionary Razumov is drawn into a plot against the government, which introduces key themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in politically charged environments.Chapter 3: The Confession After an assassination attempt on a government official, Razumov is forced to make a choice between his personal safety and his ideological beliefs. His internal conflict deepens as he navigates the dangerous political landscape.Chapter 4: The Aftermath In the wake of the assassination, Razumov is haunted by guilt and paranoia. He grapples with the consequences of his actions and the impact of revolutionary fervor on his life.Chapter 5: Encounters Razumov interacts with various characters, including the enigmatic figure of Victor Haldin, whose revolutionary ideals challenge Razumov’s understanding of loyalty and ethics.Chapter 6: The Exile The narrative explores Razumov’s feelings of isolation and alienation as he faces the fallout from the assassination. His relationships with others become strained, further complicating his moral stance.Chapter 7: The Western Perspective The story shifts to the viewpoints of various Western characters who observe the turmoil in Russia, highlighting the contrasts between Eastern and Western ideologies.Chapter 8: The Reckoning Razumov’s internal struggle reaches a climax as he confronts the implications of his decisions. The themes of identity and personal responsibility come to the forefront.Chapter 9: Resolution The novel concludes with Razumov facing the consequences of his actions, providing a poignant reflection on the nature of revolution and the human condition.