Author: Joseph Conrad (Polish-British, 1857 - 1924)
Published: 1908
Category: Concept
Text: Classic Reader
Summary:
A cultured gentleman who summers in Southern Italy for his health leaves the area forever after an unpleasant encounter.
Points of Interest:
Conrad appears to have gotten the idea for the story from a common Neopolitan phrase: "Vedi Napoli e poi mori." "See Naples and then die." One can imagine him dreaming up a scenario illustrating a belief in the phrase.
The character sketch he draws of Il Conde (The Count) is quite strong and convincing; one can easily visualize the man. I love the line "He was really much too well-bred to be a nuisance."
