57 pages 1 hour read

Joseph Conrad

An Outpost Of Progress

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1897

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Exam Answer Key

Multiple Choice

1. A (Part 1, Paragraph 8)

2. B (Part 1, Paragraph 15)

3. C (Part 2, Paragraph 73)

4. B (Part 2, Paragraph 19)

5. A (Various paragraphs)

6. B (Part 2, Paragraph 77, and various paragraphs)

7. D (Part 2, Paragraphs 43 and 62)

8. C (Part 2, Paragraph 81)

Long Answer

1. The men do not realize, upon their arrival, that they are "insignificant and incapable individuals, whose existence is only rendered possible through the high organization of civilized crowds" (Part 1, Paragraph 5). Without the safety of society, the men eventually fight to the death over something as simple and absurd as sugar.

2. Gobila is the chief of a local village who is affectionate towards the men at the outpost. While he does interact with the Europeans, he seems unchanged by them. His village provides food and care to Kayerts and Carlier. (Part 1, Paragraph 15) Makola, on the other hand, seems corrupted by the European influence of the outpost. He acts ruthlessly and practically in his dealings with the ivory traders as well as in his response to Carlier's murder.