Marlow’s journey in the Congo River consequently presents him to a world full of “gloom” in which racial segregation and rough trades are prevalent. His naïve state of mind conflicts himself with something he is supposed to think but also something in which his being thinks. Marlow’s trip accompanies him with the Belgian trading company and men who do not care about the Africans who they are depleting. Marlow frequently refers to the Africans as “its.” On the other hand, Marlow is naïve and the racial discrimination against Africans is new to him. Prior to entering the trade route in the Congo River, Marlow’s only dream is to sail and explore the sea.
Conrad also refers to Dante’s Inferno in his novel. The dark forest in which he enters is significantly similar to the one Dante faces at the beginning of the Inferno. Again Conrad refers to the inferno specifically as Marlow sees the dying Africans in the forest woods. Alike Dante, Marlow is lost and confused; he needs a guide to explain the trading situation. The Africans were in the inferno, although they did not commit the crimes as did the inhabitants in Hell present in Dante’s Inferno. This contrast brings up the intense racial discrimination present in Africa from the Belgian Trading Company. Marlow’s naiveté also exemplifies this discrimination; how could people who have done nothing be so hated and thought down against. Conrad’s juxtaposition with Dante’s Inferno, helps to exemplify the racial segregation in Africa, the inferno in which they live in, and Marlow’s naïveté.
-Molly Barb
Molly,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you noticed Conrad's diction--he actually does use the word "inferno". I also think it's interesting how he calls the white people "pilgrims." That brings in an extra layer, to me, of connection to the religious theme of the Inferno, and makes me start thinking about irony.