Setting+-+An+Outpost+of+Progress

Joseph Conrad was writing at the height of the British Empire and European colonial expansion, when the colonizing nations bring civilization and progress to the darkest corners of the earth. The story is set in an isolated colonial trading post which deals in ivory and slaves. Many concrete details help the reader to visualize the exotic setting, for example, the description of the heat in the courtyard, which seems to move in waves. The story is set in a very isolated place and the wilderness creates an atmosphere of fear and danger. Kayerts and Calier see their surroundings as threatening and both felt very much alone. Although the forest is a lonely place, it is full of life. But this life does not seem to be a peaceful kind. Kayerts and Calier are very stupid and they are not able to adabt to the wildernes. (AntoniaK.) 1278359038