How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #10
"'I've only been two years here, and now, upon my word, I can't conceive being able to live anywhere else. The very thought of the world outside is enough to give me a fright [...]" (32.5)
Hmm. It seems like Jim hasn't gotten past his past after all. Otherwise, why would he be so afraid of the outside world? In a way, Jim gives us another possible definition of home; it's the place where you can't imagine living anywhere else. That sounds romantic, but for Jim it's an odd case of imprisonment, too.
Quote #11
"'Will you be going home again soon?' asked Jim, just as I swung my leg over the gunwale. 'In a year or so if I live,' I said. [...] Jim, at the water's edge, raised his voice, 'Tell them...' he began. I signed to the men to cease rowing, and waited in wonder. Tell who? The half-submerged sun faced him; I could see its red gleam in his eyes that looked dumbly at me... 'No – nothing,' he said [...]" (35.16)
At a loss for words, dear Jim? He seems torn, doesn't he? He misses home and wants to send word, but then he seems to hope that everyone has simply forgotten him. How sad.