Prior to reading the second section of chapter one I was somewhat unsure of what to expect: would the somber and gloomy tone of the first section continue, or would Conrad completely alter his previous tone by finding light in the inevitable darkness of the story? My question was quickly answered when Marlow first encountered the accountant. Marlow's first impression of the accountant was that he was a fairly well-kept man that wore nice, clean clothes and was prompt on his work. As Marlow spent more time with the accountant, it became clear that this man was only interested in achieving more wealth for himself. His actions were completely selfish -- while black men were dying all around him, all he had to say about the situation is that their groans were distracting him from getting his work accomplished in a timely manner.
As the section progresses, it becomes more evident that all the white men Marlow has the pleasure of meeting are only interested in their selfish ways of living and are completely set on gaining more wealth by traveling. The men Marlow communicated with seemed to have a rather manipulative and condescending vibe about them. The accountant, for example, tended to act irritated and exasperated when having to speak to Marlow, as if he didn't have the time or patience to talk to him because he had better things he could be doing. Throughout Marlow's conversation, it seems that in all of his descriptions he is able to find both good and bad things in people. This leads to the assumption that Marlow believes that everyone has darkness within them.
While this section focuses mainly on Marlow's encounters with the accountant, manager, Mr. Kurtz (who he never actually met), and the fat man, we are suddenly forced to shift our attention to Marlow's sunken boat. After traveling for so long and after finally reaching his destination, Marlow discovers that his boat has been flipped and sank in the water. Irony seems to ring true, huh? But what strikes me as odd is that he simply brushes this news off as if it isn't all that important. He does, though, attempt to repair his boat which ends up being irreparable. Even so, he is still unaffected by the situation and goes on with his content life in the darkness of the situation.
Hey Case!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou and I both focused on the characterization of the accountant as our main point. I like how you highlight the contrasting images of the appearance of the accounatant and the condition of the black slaves right outside his door. It's also interestinf how you bring up the fact that Marlow is able to find both the good and bad in people and therefore sees darkness in everyone. I had never thought about it from that angle, and I am glad that you have brought it to my attention. Thanks Casey George! (You da best)