An Outpost of Progress by Joseph CONRAD 1 Full Unabridged Audiobook

Name: An Outpost of Progress by Joseph CONRAD 1 Full Unabridged Audiobook
Uploaded: 2017-08-24T17:31:00.000Z
Duration: 2 h 12 min 21 s

An Outpost of Progress: Chapter 1 Overview

Introduction to the Characters and Setting

The narrative introduces two white men in charge of a trading station named Kayer, with the chief being short and fat, while his assistant, Carier, is tall and broad.

A Sierra Leonean named Henry Price, referred to as Maka by locals, works at the station. He speaks English and French but harbors a deep belief in evil spirits.

Maka's family includes a large wife from Loanda and three children who play outside their modest dwelling. The setting reflects a stark contrast between the white men’s lives and that of the local population.

Description of the Trading Station

The trading station consists of a small clay storehouse with a grass roof where Maka keeps records of trade goods like beads and clothes. It also features living quarters for the white men.

The living space is described as cluttered with personal belongings, indicating disorganization amidst their attempts at establishing order in this remote location.

Historical Context

An unnamed man who initially planned the outpost is mentioned; he was an unsuccessful painter who succumbed to fever after overseeing its construction. His death left Maka alone with his family and responsibilities at the station.

The arrival of a director from a trading company marks a significant moment; he finds the station well-maintained under Maka's supervision despite previous doubts about its viability.

Director's Expectations

The director expresses optimism about Kayer’s potential for trade due to its proximity to other posts, urging both Kayer and Carier to capitalize on this opportunity for distinction within their roles.

Kayer feels emotional gratitude towards his director’s confidence while Carier remains skeptical about their prospects amid isolation from civilization.

Reflections on Isolation

After receiving supplies from a steamer that departs for six months, both men feel abandoned in an unfamiliar wilderness filled with unseen dangers—a metaphorical representation of their vulnerability without societal support.

Exploring the Depths of Isolation and Companionship

The Nature of Loneliness and Danger

The text discusses the contrast between the safety of habitual thoughts and the danger posed by unusual sensations, highlighting how these experiences can excite imagination and test nerves.

Companionship in Adversity

Kyer and Carlier walk closely together, sharing a sense of imagined danger akin to children in the dark, indicating their bond amidst uncertainty. They engage in light conversation about their surroundings.

Reflections on Mortality

A conversation arises near a grave, where Kards reflects on a deceased individual who succumbed to fever, prompting discussions about exposure to the sun and health risks in Africa. This reveals underlying fears regarding survival in an unfamiliar environment.

Leadership Dynamics

Kards asserts his authority over Carlier regarding sun exposure, blending humor with seriousness as he expresses concern for Carlier's well-being, revealing deeper emotional connections formed through shared experiences.

Settling into New Life

As they attempt to make their house habitable, both men struggle with practical tasks that require mental clarity and courage—qualities they find lacking due to societal conditioning that has stifled their independence.

Struggles with Independence

Released from societal constraints, Kyer and Carlier feel lost without guidance or routine; they grapple with newfound freedom but lack the skills for independent thought or action after years of being conditioned as "machines."

Nostalgia for Old Life

Kyer reminisces about his previous life filled with familiar comforts—his daughter’s upbringing is a driving force behind his current situation; he longs for mundane aspects like gossip from government offices which provided solace.

Shared Grievances

Both men express regret over their past lives: Kyer misses camaraderie while Carlier feels resentment towards family obligations that led him here; despite grievances, they find companionship in shared idleness and laziness.

Perception of Surroundings

Their awareness is limited; they live like blind men unable to grasp the broader context around them—the vibrant life surrounding them becomes an abstract void rather than something tangible or meaningful.

Encounters with Local Culture

Warriors and Their Perceptions

Observations on Strength and Capability

Discussion about the physical attributes of warriors, noting their muscular build but lack of suitable legs for cavalry.

Mention of a herd being taken to "The Fetish," a storehouse symbolizing civilization, filled with bones rather than rags.

Life at the Trading Post

Reflection on the tribe living downriver, characterized as aromatic; acknowledgment of the challenges faced in this environment.

Description of the trading post's surroundings: an empty courtyard under bright sunlight with a silent river flowing nearby.

Engagement with Literature

The two traders find torn books left by predecessors, leading to unexpected amusement and surprise at their content.

They engage in discussions about fictional characters from these books, treating them as if they were real acquaintances.

Reflections on Civilization

Encountering colonial literature that praises civilization's expansion and its supposed benefits brings self-reflection among the traders.

One trader imagines future developments at their location, envisioning it as a civilized town where they would be remembered as pioneers.

Relationships with Local Leaders

Introduction of Goila, a local chief who visits them regularly; he is described as thin and black with traditional attire.

The traders develop a friendly rapport with Goila, who perceives all white men as brothers due to his past experiences.

Daily Life and Mutual Support

The women from Goila’s village provide food supplies like sweet potatoes and palm wine to support the station's needs.

Changes in Appearance and Disposition

The Deterioration of Characters

The characters, Carier and KY, have undergone a noticeable decline in their physical appearance and temperament over five months, with Carier described as hollow-eyed and irritable.

Their conversation about an approaching steamer is interrupted by the arrival of armed strangers from the forest, who are tall and dressed in blue fringed clothing.

Encounter with Strangers

The leader of the strangers, a powerful negro with bloodshot eyes, delivers a long speech that unnerves Carier and KY due to its unfamiliarity yet resemblance to civilized speech.

Carier expresses confusion about the language used by the leader, suggesting it might be French or some other form of gibberish.

Tension Among Characters

Maka seems anxious about the visitors' intentions but does not provide clear answers to Carier's questions regarding their origin or nature.

The strangers make themselves comfortable at the station while displaying scornful glances; this behavior raises suspicions among Carier and KY.

Growing Unease

Realization of Danger

Both men recognize for the first time that they live in precarious conditions where unusual occurrences could pose threats to their safety.

They decide to load their revolvers after feeling uneasy about the presence of these strangers.

Departure of Strangers

After sharing a meal prepared by Mrs. Maka, the strangers leave; however, Maka appears distracted during their visit.

Nighttime Disturbances

Sounds of Drumming

Throughout the night, Carier and KY are disturbed by drumming sounds from nearby villages that create an atmosphere of tension and unrest.

They hear sudden yells resembling mad songs amidst this noise which disrupt their peace.

Morning Developments

Changes in Maka's Behavior

In the morning, Maka is missing but returns later with one of yesterday’s strangers; he seems unresponsive to inquiries from KY.

Observations on Canoes

Carier notes seeing numerous canoes crossing the river while fishing earlier that day, heightening concerns about potential trouble ahead.

Station Men’s Background

Introduction to Station Workers

A group of ten station men has been left behind by their director; they have been serving for two years without understanding time well.

Cultural Displacement

The Struggles of Indigenous Peoples in Colonial Context

The Impact of Foreign Food on Indigenous Health

The introduction of rice by the company was met with resistance from the local population, who found it unsuitable as a food source. This led to health issues and general misery among them.

Unlike other tribes that might resort to suicide due to despair, this warlike tribe exhibited resilience despite their suffering, continuing to endure disease and hardship.

The indigenous people were assigned various labor tasks such as grass cutting and tree felling but showed little motivation or efficiency in completing these tasks.

Trade Dynamics and Local Relationships

Maka informed Kays about a poor trading period for ivory, suggesting they could acquire more from traders coming from Loanda who had an excess supply.

Despite the potential for trade, Maka warned Kays about the dangerous nature of these traders, indicating they were known for violence and capturing locals.

Evening Festivities and Tensions

To boost morale among workers, Maka suggested providing palm wine for a dance event that evening, believing it would improve productivity the next day.

The dance was successful; however, during the night, tensions arose when gunshots were heard after some men from nearby villages joined in.

Mysterious Disappearances

After hearing commotion outside at night, Kays and Carrier encountered Maka who urged them to return indoors due to strange men being present.

In the morning following the festivities, Kays discovered that none of their workers had returned after a night of celebration.

Accusations and Revelations

Both Kays and Carrier expressed disbelief over their workers' disappearance. Maka revealed that they left with coastal people without concern for their well-being.

As suspicions grew regarding Maka's involvement in the desertion of workers, he attempted to divert attention by showcasing a collection of ivory tusks he had acquired.

Confrontation Over Ethics in Trade

Kays accused Maka of selling out their workers for ivory tusks. In response, Maka remained calm but defensive about his actions during trade negotiations.

The Aftermath of Violence and Silence

The Discovery of Death

Mulla returns to his family, reflecting on the tusks left behind, which appear valuable in the sunlight.

Carier reports finding a dead member of Gob's people, shot through the body, indicating violence from the previous night.

A heavy silence envelops the station as Maka spends time with his children, contrasting with the grim atmosphere.

Tension and Reflection

Carlier observes the tusks and speculates about how they were taken while their owners slept after drinking palm wine.

Kards expresses concern over slavery and its horrors; both men reflect on their inability to truly understand suffering beyond words.

The Weight of Loss

The next morning, Maka sets up scales for weighing ivory, hinting at ongoing economic activities despite recent tragedies.

Carlier and Kards assist Maka with lifting a tusk into the scale, symbolizing their complicity in this exploitative system.

Complicity in Exploitation

Carlier suggests helping Maka transport ivory to the store; they acknowledge that it is company property that must be managed properly.

They share a meal but feel guilt when mentioning Mulla’s name, indicating an internal struggle with their actions.

Mourning and Fear

For days following the incident, no one from Gob's villages approaches; they mourn silently for those lost due to white men's actions.

Fear remains pervasive among Gob's people as they grapple with loss and uncertainty brought by external forces.

Cultural Responses to Crisis

Goila offers sacrifices to appease spirits believed responsible for misfortunes caused by white men; fear influences decisions within his community.

Despite calls for revenge from some warriors, Goila advises caution against provoking unknown powers.

Isolation and Reflection

Kards and Carlier feel an emptiness around them as memories of home fade amidst wilderness isolation.

Their connection to civilization diminishes under relentless nature’s glare; feelings of hopelessness grow stronger over time.

Attempts at Communication Fail

Steamer Delays and Rising Tensions

The Impact of Delay on the Crew

The steamer's late arrival caused a range of emotions among the crew, shifting from casual remarks about delay to serious concerns as supplies dwindled.

A failed attempt to secure a hippo carcass led to frustration for Carier, who expressed anger over the situation and called for extermination of local wildlife before the country could be civilized.

KY, suffering physically and emotionally, spent time reflecting on a portrait of Mellie, indicating his longing for home amidst deteriorating health conditions.

Deteriorating Relationships

Carier's sarcasm grew as he became increasingly bitter; he believed in being frank but often crossed into unpleasantness with his comments.

Tension escalated between KY and Carier as they discussed their dire circumstances; both felt isolated without news from home for eight months.

Struggles with Basic Needs

The men lived on a monotonous diet of rice and coffee, leading them to curse their company and reflect on their miserable existence.

KY hoarded sugar and cognac for potential sickness, highlighting their desperate situation where even small comforts were precious.

Conflict Erupting Over Resources

After an unsatisfactory meal, Carier demanded sugar for his coffee, leading to a heated argument that revealed deeper frustrations between the two men.

As tensions flared, KY accused Carier of hypocrisy while asserting his authority; this confrontation marked a turning point in their relationship.

Physical Confrontation

The argument escalated into physical aggression when Carier swung a stool at KY after being insulted; this act symbolized the breakdown of civility between them.

In desperation during the conflict, KY fled to his room armed with a revolver while Carier attempted to break down the door in rage.

Desperation and Flight

As both men faced off in escalating chaos, KY ran around the house trying to escape from Carier’s fury while grappling with his own physical limitations due to illness.

A Descent into Despair and Realization

The Initial Breakdown

The protagonist experiences a physical and emotional collapse, feeling overwhelmed by despair as he slides down against the wall, questioning the reality of his situation.

He grapples with feelings of madness and absurdity over a quarrel about sugar, reflecting on his desire to escape the conflict but is pulled back into despair by common sense.

Fear of Subjugation

The protagonist fears that yielding to a soldier will lead to ongoing torment and enslavement, contemplating the possibility of never escaping this nightmare.

He feels paralyzed by despair, realizing that both life and death seem equally daunting in his current state.

Confrontation and Chaos

In a moment of panic, he hears footsteps and instinctively darts away, leading to a violent collision marked by gunfire that leaves him disoriented.

Expecting imminent death from his injuries, he clings to hope but remains disarmed and vulnerable as silence envelops him after the chaos.

Acceptance of Fate

Resigned to meet his fate, he prepares for surrender while navigating through confusion until he encounters an unexpected sight—feet belonging to another person.

Overwhelmed by sickness at the sight before him, he is met with relief when Maka appears, revealing that the other man is dead.

Aftermath and Reflection

Overcome with gratitude for survival yet burdened by guilt for killing an unarmed man, he reflects on the gravity of his actions as Maka retrieves a revolver from the deceased's room.

Struggling with intense emotions following the incident, KS contemplates life’s value amidst death while grappling with feelings of horror over having taken another's life.

Philosophical Insights

As night falls, KS finds himself in a state of exhausted serenity after confronting profound horror; he begins pondering life's truths without fear or illusion.

His thoughts shift towards existential reflections on mortality; recognizing that countless deaths occur daily diminishes the significance of one individual’s demise in his mind.

A New Perspective on Existence

KS realizes how much nonsense he's believed throughout life; now feeling enlightened yet troubled by this newfound wisdom regarding existence.

The Awakening in the Mist

The Atmosphere of Despair

The protagonist experiences a disorienting moment, feeling as if he has fallen asleep amidst a heavy tropical mist that envelops the land.

He discovers a body, leading to an intense emotional reaction characterized by a cry of despair, likened to awakening from a trance into an eternal tomb.

The silence is broken by piercing shrieks that evoke feelings of urgency and fear, suggesting the presence of something menacing in the fog.

Call to Civilization

A call from society beckons the protagonist back to civilization, implying themes of judgment and condemnation for straying from societal norms.

In his confusion, he seeks divine intervention to reverse his actions while another character named Maka frantically calls out about a steamer approaching.

Search for Connection

As he navigates through the dense fog, he spots what appears to be a station bell ringing in response to the steamer's arrival.

The managing director expresses concern over their lack of reception at the landing site despite continuous ringing of the bell.

Discovery and Urgency

The director urges others to follow him up a steep bank after spotting something significant ahead, indicating rising tension and urgency in their search.