Africa, Madness and Futility

Africa and Madness 2

“…and moreover, the changes take place inside, you know.” (pg. 11)

Again, Conrad hints to the fact that Africa changes the men, but it is an internal change that takes place. Yes, the men may fall sick or even die out in the jungle, but it is what changes within their mind that really matters. In addition, the Company doctor represents the futility of the company and colonization in general, much like the man attempting to put the fire out using a bucket that had a hole in it or the French boat shooting at nothing along the banks of the Congo River.