“Are you an alienist?” (pg. 13)
An alienist is essentially a psychiatrist, a physician who specializes in treating people with mental diseases. Before Marlow sets out into the Congo, the doctor that examines him is keenly interested with information concerning his mental state. Although this examination is just (it would seem normal for a doctor to ensure that individuals travelling into uncharted territories are fit enough for the journey) it is ironic that the doctor “measure[s] the crania of those going out there” because, once in the Congo, Marlow comes face to face with the shrunken heads of possible explorers from previous expeditions. Conrad includes this doctor's unorthodox conduct to foreshadow this later encounter.
"Alienist: Definition from Answers.com." Answers.com. Web. 12 Aug. 2009. http://www.answers.com/topic/alienist
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