Victory (novel)
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Victory is a novel by Joseph Conrad first published in 1915. The novel, once regarded as comparatively minor amongst Conrad's works, has grown in reputation. Its depiction of the central character, Axel Heyst, and his renunciation of the world, is influenced by Conrad's reading of Schopenhauer. Heyst's alienation stems in large part from a somewhat ascetic upbringing. During the course of the novel, however, Heyst is drawn to commit to life when he falls in love with Lena, a girl in a ladies' touring orchestra. Although the climax of the novel is tragic, it is this commitment that provides the title's ironic victory.
