Outpost of Progress | Themes & Symbolism

Outpost of Progress Significant Topics

Racial Equality

Conrad is brilliant at delivering the message that all people are equal. He does this by revealing the capacity for evil, rather than the more common emphasis on the inherent goodness within all people. Carlier, Kayerts and Makola each believe that they are superior to one another. Makola is equally racist and mercenary. Carlier and Kayerts are equally morally unhinged.

Conrad's message is that all people, no matter what their color or culture are capable of despicable actions. He tells us that we need the social structure around us in order to keep our basic nature in check. But he reveals that culture itself can also be evil. At once, Kayerts and Carlier were held in check while they lived in their homeland. But they are then propelled into aggression against the people of Africa by that same culture.

Psychological Strength

Conrad's work emphasizes the fragility of humankind. He mocks cultural beliefs,...
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