To the colonizing Europeans, Africa would be nothing without the Congo River. The river acts as a safety net for the men aboard the steamer in Conrad's novella, allowing them to gain access to the interior of the continent more easily than if they actually had to cross it by land. They never have to come in direct contact with all the African interior has to offer, allowing them to reach their destination while never even assimilating into the culture around them – they are able to remain outsiders.Picture Credits:
The Congo River. Digital image. The Top Ten Rivers of the World. Mackenzie J. Gregory. Web. 24 Aug. 2009. http://ahoy.tk-jk.net/macslog/TheTopTenRiversoftheWorld.html.
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