“Two women, one fat and the other slim, sat on straw-bottomed chairs, knitting black wool.” (pg. 11)
These two weavers allude to the Fates, the Greek goddesses of destiny. In Greek mythology, the Fates are depicted as three old hags who weave the thread of life. Each of the Fates has her share in a person’s destiny; one spins the thread, the second measures the thread, and the third cuts the thread. Just before signing a contract to be employed under the Company, Marlow encounters these women. This eerie encounter makes it seem as though Marlow’s decision to venture into the Congo will be his demise. Fortunately for Marlow, Conrad included only two weavers, leaving a third absent from “cutting the thread.” This is a slight foreshadowing into Marlow’s ultimately safe voyage.
"Ave Caesar morituri te salutant: Information from Answers.com." Answers.com. Web. 12 Aug. 2009. http://www.answers.com/topic/ave-caesar-morituri-te-salutant
Photo Credit: The Fates. Digital image. Web. 12 Aug. 2009. http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/Mythology/RM/AGoldenThreadStrudwick.jpg
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