The novel is about the search for identity,and the contrast,embodied in the self-deludinghero，Almayer,between a man's fantasies and reality．Coupled with this is a powerful．Hardy—like conviction of individual aspiration．The invasive force of environment is effectively illustrated bv Conrad's iuxtaposition of solid images of the external world withthe internal musings ofhis protagonists．

Set in the remote,eastern settlement of Sambir on the river Pantai，somewhere in Malaysia，Almawr"s Folly is a stirring romance involving such traditional elements as forbidden love，exotic travel，pirates，hidden treasure，adventure and mysterious political intrigue．Yet Conrad consistently subverts convention，undermining the popular perceptions of his day．In this，his first novel，everything is double—edged，and aptly,Conrad"s title too has a doubk—entendre，suggesting the sombre themes that are central to this powerful tale and foreshadow his later acclaimed masterpieces．