Joseph Conrad #226594

Looking for an instant at the dramatic contrast and almost ironical relationship of these three backgrounds — Poland, the Sea, the inner security and tradition of an English country-side — one can realise what they may make of an artist. That early Polish atmosphere, viewed through all the deep light and high shade of a remembered childhood. May be enough to give life and vigour to any poet's temperament. The romantic melancholy born of early years in such an atmosphere might well plant deeply in any soul the ironic contemplation of an impossible freedom.