The Significance of the Painting

The painting to me symbolizes a skewed perception of blinded justice. I think the fact that the woman is blindfolded symbolizes ignorance found within this novel. The white men in charge believe they are superior and prevalent over women (and other sectors of society) in this case. The flame/torch that the woman holds signals leadership which is ironic because she is blinded. This is similar to the white men in charge who are ignorantly leading the uncivilized. Marlow obviously disagrees with this sentiment and is shocked at the injustice found within the area. Marlow, too, has been completely oblivious and relatively ignorant of the conditions in these civilized places.