The Helmsman is a native African man that steers Marlow’s steamboat whilst he travels from the Central to the Inner Station. Marlow’s attitude towards his Helmsman is patronising and racist – he describes “looking after” the man as though he is a child or a pet. This reminds us that Marlow – and indeed Conrad – are both products of their time; Conrad attempts to portray Marlow as liberal, humane and open-minded, but the character still exudes the air of condensation towards those of other races characteristic of Eurocentric 19th century Britain. However, the death of Marlow’s Helmsman marks an important moment in Marlow’s disillusionment with the colonial cause. Though Marlow does not exactly express grief over the loss, the confusion and disappointment he is unable to truly articulate suggests that he did feel an affinity for his Helmsman – and reveals his growing comprehension of the true inhumanity of the imperial enterprise.
