Comprehension - One Language Many Voices #1 An Outpost of Progress (note)

Text 1: Joseph Conrad, AN OUPOST OF PROGRESS p. 8, l. 32 - p. 9, l. 17
Text 2: Joseph Conrad, AN OUPOST OF PROGRESS p. 21, l. 36 - p. 22, l. 31

COMPREHENSION: Describe the situational context of these two excerpts
The first excerpt is taken from the beginning of the short story and shows Kayerts and Carlier shortly after their arrival at the trading station. The director's steamboat which brought them here has just left and the two Belgians are walking backto their quarters. The scene which is presented in the second excerpt is et towards the end of the story and marks the beginning of the catastrophe. With his uncouth demand for a lump of sugar Carlier starts off an argument between the two white men which in the end leads to his death.

COMPREHENSION: Compare the ways Kayerts and Carlier treat each other
In the first scene the weight of the new responsibility which the director has placed on their shoulders makes itself felt. The two Belgians, now in charge of the station, are trying to come to terms with the challenge they are confronted with. Like frightened little children who whistle while walking through the woods or going into a dark cellar they are talking to each other constantly, they cling to each other, thus trying overcome their feelings of insecurity and helplessness. They might not like each other but they know that they depend on one another if they are to suceed and and survive in the unfamiliar and hostile surroundings. They have agreed on a hierarchial structure with Kayerts being the boss and Carlier his obedient assistant because they want to avoid the fate of their unfortunate predecessor on the station. This order is turned upside down in the second expcerpt. Carlier insults and attacks his superior, he rebels against Kayert's setting he rules. The companionship which both showed in the beginning has given way to bitter enmity; the affection has turned into bitter resentment, anger and desperation.

COMPREHENSION: Why has the relationship changed?
The relationship between Kayerts and Carlier changes dramatically because, over months in the lonely jungle, they have developed deep feelings of incompetence and frustration. As they are unable and also unwilling to make contact with the outside world they have become completely isolated. The month long wait for the director's return has strained their nerves. Furthermore, they have lost any say on trading station and are unable to control what goes on around them. Like "blind men" they are confined to their room, getting on each other's nerves and depending on Makola's management. In addition they know that, unwillingly, they have commited a crime by becoming involved in a slave deal. Because of this they initially feel remorse, but eventually they overcome their pangs of guilt in view of the profits they have made by selling their men. In the final row, however, it becomes evident that this failure is still deeply rooted in their consciences. Carlier reminds Kayerts of their terrible sin, when he calls him a "slave dealer", using the word like a weapon against his superior.

Joseph Conrad, AN OUPOST OF PROGRESS Stelle unbekannt - Abibuch 10-2

COMPREHENSION: Outline what makes the situation for Kayerts and Carlier so critical. Keep to the given excerpt.
An increasing sense of time no longer passing, growing isolatoin and a lack of food are the factors which put Kayerts and Carlier into this critical situation. Objectively, time passes on as regularly as always, but in their minds the days seem to last longer. The steamer is late, and they hope it will arrive the following day. Further indications of their frustrating wait are the spoprouting of grass over the courtyard, the bell no longer ringing, and the growing silence and slowness of days. Their unfulfilled hopes find a physical expression in their speech which loses its human quality and turns to snarling.
Isolation makes itself felt in different ways. Gobila's people, who had earlier brought them food, no longer some to the station. The Company director has already conjured up their end by deeming them and their station useless.
The third factor that brings about this critical situation is the lack of food. All their tryings to get food by themselves makes them sick: Kayert's legs get swollen so that he can hardly walk, and Carlier, having caught a fever, walks and moves around as if he were drunk.

COMPREHENSION: Compare how the two protagonists behave in this entire passage. Provide suitable examples of the text.
From the beginning, Kayerts is the chief and Carlier the assistant. After they have become aware that they are left on their own, they both keep hoping for the steamer, curse their circumstances. The assistant, Carlier, is more active than his reluctant boss Kayerts. He tries to communicate with Gobila's people, he tries to catch fish and kills the hippo. Yet in everything he does he fails.
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