When Marlow first visits Brussels, he sees two women knitting. He says,
“Two women, one fat and the other slim, sat on straw-bottomed chairs, knitting black wool.”
Black wool is linked to death. It looks like mourning clothes or a funeral shroud. The women remind us of the Fates from Greek myth, who spin the thread of life and cut it. They seem to guard the gate of death. For Marlow, going to Congo is like stepping into death.
Symbol of Empire’s Darkness: The women do not smile. They do not speak much. Their work is endless. Marlow feels uneasy. He calls Brussels the “White Sepulchre.” But inside, he sees black wool being made. This is irony. The city looks bright but hides darkness. The wool becomes a symbol of the empire’s cruelty and its shadow over Africa.
Symbol of Human Powerlessness: The women do not stop their knitting. Marlow feels they know something. He says,
“She seemed to know all about them and about me too.”
Their silence shows that people like Marlow are only small figures in a larger plan. The empire, like the women, weaves human lives into black fate. Nobody can resist.
The knitting of black wool is a small scene. Yet it shows death, darkness, and powerlessness. Through this symbol, Conrad reminds us that imperialism is not progress but a path to death and despair.
Continue Reading
Subscribe to access the full content
Upgrade to Premium