"And outside, the silent wilderness surrounding this cleared speck on the earth [waited] patiently for the passing away of its fantastic invasion" (HOD 91)
This quote is referring specifically to one of the stations, but serves to create a larger image for the whole idea of imperialism. The "invaders" are forming this small, tiny spot cleared of any native land or culture, but the impenetrable forests still surround it. Even though there are imperialistic camps and missions in the country, they are a minority to the country itself.
"going back up the river was like traveling back to the earliest beginnings of the world [...] when big trees were king" (HOD 105).
This quote refers to the surrounding forest written about in the last section. The book portrays this wilderness as "thick, sluggish, and deserted" "there was no joy in the brilliance of the sunshine" (HOD 105). This description advances the idea that imperialism is "necessary" to make the country better. By portraying even the wilderness in a negative light, the author defends imperialism.
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