The narrative "Youth" was written by Joseph Conrad (1857-1924) in 1898, but it was not published until 1902, alongside two other texts, including "Heart of Darkness." As in "Heart of Darkness," the young sea officer Marlow is also the main character in "Youth," recounting his experiences to several other sailors 20 years later: As the second officer of a coal freighter, Marlow is to embark on his first voyage to Asia. However, the journey is repeatedly hindered by damage to the ship, until the vessel ultimately catches fire off the coast of Java and must be abandoned under dramatic circumstances.