Essay: Analyse how Conrad criticizes colonialism in the story 'An Outpost of Progress'

The short story "An Outpost of progress" by Joseph Conrad deals among others with the theme of colonialism. Two Belgians are in charge of a trading post which is set in Congo. They are both described as very negativ characters. They are as useless for their employers as the whole station is ('Look at those two imbenciles. They must be mad at home to send me such specimes.' p.11; 'I always thought the station on this river useless, and they just fit the station!' p.12). In the beginning of the story the two Belgians, Kayerts and Carlier, get along good with each other ('He felt suddenly that this Carlier was more precious to him here, in the centre of Africa, than a brother could be anywhere else.'), but as they notice the absurdity of their mission, which isn't really one, their relationship deteriorates. In the end, one shoots the other, and the survivor commits suicide. They die with having achieved nothing. This example of how colonialism should not work, given by Joseph Conrad, showes the absolute failure of European colonisation.

Kayerts and Carlier don't try to connect to the foreign culture at all, for what they are not only physically but also mentally isolated. Finally this is the reason for their desperation and their death. Maybe the many point criticized by J. Conrad is the indifference of the director concerning the welfare of Kayerts and Carlier. Knowing the difficulties of employment in the middle of nowhere ('They will form themselves there,'...), he lures Kayerts and Carlier on to destruction.