In this study, I propose that Joseph Conrads four Marlow narrativesYouth, Heart of Darkness, Lord Jim, and Chanceare metaphorical trials for their respective protagonists, the narratives subjects. I argue that Marlow, the recurring narrator in these stories, acts as a defense attorney to the subjects defendant and defends him before an audience of sailors that represent a larger Victorian society. Marlow employs a narrative strategy of deferring judgment on these subjects: he emphasizes the subjectivity of interpreting their story over the evidence and witnesses he inevitably must produce. I argue that Marlow ultimately needs the audience to represent a more coherent community so that he may question their standards, particularly their materialism, lack of imagination, and unquestioning commitment to their imperialist duties. I conclude by looking at Chance, examining its complications as a Marlow narrative, and discussing how my readings contribute to literary criticism of Joseph Conrads works.