"We are accustomed to look upon the shackled form of a conquered monster, but there-there you could look at a thing monstrous and free." Pg. 108
The rest of the paragraph also make references to a "monster," but what exactly is this monster? Is it human? or something darker? It is unearthly but does that necessarily mean its not of this earth?
I believe it refers to the land and the people, as one. Marlow views the land as a monster that is unshackled because unlike in Europe, they do not have complete reign and understanding of the land. Just my opinion, I could very well be completely wrong.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Olivia. The monster is the whole idea of Africa.
ReplyDeleteI think the monster is the natives in their natural environment. The difference between the natives that they see on shore from the boat, and the natives that they have trained who are with them is huge. Marlow is used to seeing the natives shackled, but now he has the chance to see them as they were BEFORE they were taken by white men, and so he is frightened by what is new to him.
ReplyDeleteCould It not be a reference to humanity as a whole though?
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