Youth

Set against the backdrop of a young man's inaugural voyage to the East, the story is narrated by Charles Marlow, a recurring character in Conrad's works. The narrative explores themes of youth and adventure, contrasting with the maturity and aging depicted in the other stories of the collection. This autobiographical tale, first published in 1898 and later included in a 1902 volume alongside "Heart of Darkness," marks a significant moment in Marlow's chronological development within Conrad's literary universe.