For the Sake of Survival: Leggatt and Falk's Moral Transgression Under Extenuating Circumstances

<p><span>The existing body of Conrad criticism concentrates mainly on his novels. He has been read as exotic, existentialist, empiricist, misogynist and racist etc. As it often happens with a great novelist, his short stories are neglected. This paper examines Joseph Conrad’s short stories “Falk: A Reminiscence”<em> </em>and “The Secret Sharer”, focusing on the theme of crime committed under extenuating circumstances. Both works explore morally ambiguous actions that challenge societal norms and force the protagonists into isolation and self-reflection. In “Falk”, the titular character’s resort to cannibalism during a famine raises questions about survival ethics, guilt, and the societal consequences of transgression. Similarly, in “The Secret Sharer”, the captain’s decision to harbour Leggatt, a fugitive who has committed murder in a moment of necessity, highlights the tension between personal loyalty and professional duty. By comparing these narratives, this paper argues that Conrad’s portrayal of crime transcends legal definitions, emphasizing the psychological and existential dimensions of guilt and redemption. The study seeks to demonstrate how these stories invite readers to reconsider conventional notions of morality and justice, illuminating the complexity of human behaviour in extraordinary situations.</span></p>