On the basis of two of Joseph Conrad's early writings, this paper tries to examine the effects of colonialism on the Westerner, as Conrad depicted them. The first object of this analysis will be the short story “An Outpost of Progress”. Questions that will be addressed are the origin of the influences, their nature and their results as well as the depiction of the protagonists, their environment and their interaction. Secondly, this paper will attempt to compare the occurring patterns of the short story to Conrad’s most prominent work, the novel “Heart of Darkness”. The question whether the short story can actually be compared to the novel at all, and finally the reconsideration of the popular thesis that “An Outpost of Progress” merely represents a sketch for “Heart of Darkness” will form the latter part of the analysis.
Table of Contents
1. Preface
2. “An Outpost of Progress” – Analysis
2.1 Characterization of the Protagonists and their Development
2.2 Progress and its Victims
3. “Heart of Darkness” and “An Outpost of Progress” – Comparison
4. Synopsis
5. Bibliography
Objectives and Themes
This academic paper examines the transformative effects of colonialism on Western individuals as depicted in Joseph Conrad's works. The research primarily aims to analyze how isolation and the confrontation with a foreign environment influence the protagonists in the short story "An Outpost of Progress," while also evaluating the common critical assertion that this story serves merely as a preliminary sketch for the novel "Heart of Darkness."
- The characterization and regression of protagonists in "An Outpost of Progress."
- The role of "civilization" and its hypocritical rhetoric in the downfall of colonial agents.
- A comparative study of narrative perspectives and character depth between the short story and the novel.
- An exploration of colonial influence on the colonizer rather than the colonized.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1 Characterization of the Protagonists and their Development
In the beginning of the story, two white men are left in charge of an isolated trading station in the Belgian Congo.
Kayerts, who is appointed chief, is described as being “[…] short and fat”3, whereas Carlier, his assistant, is described as being “[…] tall, with a large head and a very broad trunk perched upon a long pair of thin legs.”3 Their physical description already leaves an amusing, let alone derogatory impression of the protagonists, evoking the popular cliché of the obese chief and his tall idiot-assistant, like Hardy and Laurel for example.
Kayerts had worked in the Administration of the Telegraphs, Carlier was an “[…] ex-non commissioned officer of cavalry in an army guaranteed from harm by several European Powers […]”4. Their former occupations do not label them definite “adventurers”, but the director of the trading company allays even the slightest doubt as to their incompetence. Although the director tries to motivate them with a speech, not even he believes in their success, stating to a servant upon departure from the station:
“Look at those two imbeciles. They must be mad at home to send me such specimens. […] I always thought the station on this river useless, and they just fit the station!”5
The narrator goes even further and attributes the very possibility of their existence to the shelter of civilization:
“They were two perfectly insignificant and incapable individuals, whose existence is only rendered possible through the high organization of civilized crowds. Few men realize that their life, the very essence of their character, their capabilities and their audacities, are only the expression of their belief in the safety of their surroundings.”6
Summary of Chapters
1. Preface: This introductory chapter outlines the historical context of colonialism and presents the paper's research focus on the influence of the colony upon the colonizer within Conrad's early works.
2. “An Outpost of Progress” – Analysis: This section analyzes the decline of the protagonists, Kayerts and Carlier, examining how their incompetence and the isolation of the Congo lead to their tragic downfall.
2.1 Characterization of the Protagonists and their Development: This subsection details the physical and psychological traits of the two main characters and traces their regression from agents of "civilization" to their eventual demise.
2.2 Progress and its Victims: This subsection explores Conrad's ironical use of terms like "progress" and "civilization," interpreting the story as a critique of colonial greed and the distorted rhetoric of the era.
3. “Heart of Darkness” and “An Outpost of Progress” – Comparison: This chapter compares the short story with the novel to refute the theory that the former is simply a rough draft, highlighting fundamental differences in purpose and style.
4. Synopsis: The final chapter summarizes the findings, concluding that the protagonists' failure is rooted in their inherent flaws and the corrupting nature of the society they represent.
5. Bibliography: This section lists the primary and secondary sources used for the analysis of Conrad's literature.
Keywords
Joseph Conrad, An Outpost of Progress, Heart of Darkness, Colonialism, Colonizer, Post-colonial literature, Victim of Progress, Civilization, Irony, Isolation, Belgian Congo, Literary analysis, Victorian era, Human behavior, Greed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on the psychological and social effects of colonialism on the Western colonizers themselves, specifically through the lens of Joseph Conrad’s short story "An Outpost of Progress."
What are the central thematic fields explored?
The work centers on themes of colonial hypocrisy, the impact of isolation on the human psyche, the failure of European "civilizing" missions, and the critique of societal standards.
What is the main objective or research question?
The research explores how the contact with a foreign environment alters the colonizers and whether "An Outpost of Progress" functions as an independent piece of social criticism rather than just a sketch for "Heart of Darkness."
Which scientific method is applied?
The paper utilizes a literary-analytical method, examining primary texts through close reading and secondary sources to compare narrative perspectives, themes, and character development.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the characterization of Kayerts and Carlier, their slow deterioration in the Congo, their involvement in slave trade, and a detailed comparison with Kurtz from "Heart of Darkness."
Which keywords define this analysis?
The analysis is defined by keywords such as Colonialism, Colonizer, Irony, Civilization, and the specific titles of the works discussed.
How does the author interpret the role of the director?
The director is portrayed as a cynical figure who recognizes the incompetence of the men he sends, viewing them merely as replaceable specimens rather than valued employees.
What is the significance of the "ironic narrator" in "Outpost of Progress"?
The ironic narrator is essential for highlighting the absurdity of the protagonists' situation, serving as a detached voice that critiques the "civilized" society from which the men originate.
Why does the author conclude that the protagonists are victims?
The author argues that they are victims of the very civilization that sent them to the Congo, as they are products of a society that forbade independent thought and initiative, leaving them incapable of survival once removed from its structure.
- Quote paper
- Sebastian Langner (Author), 2008, Joseph Conrad’s "An Outpost of Progress" and "Heart of Darkness". Influences on the Colonizer, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/281410
