The quote reflects a sense of disconnection and a haunting recollection of a past experience. The narrator conveys how the voices he remembers seem to lack substance, emphasizing their ephemeral and insubstantial nature. This creates an atmosphere of confusion and a sense of unease, where the interactions are reduced to mere sounds devoid of meaning.
This description evokes a deeper commentary on the human experience—how communication can often feel superficial and how memories can seep into our consciousness like lingering echoes. The vivid imagery of voices creates a chaotic backdrop, suggesting that beneath the surface of civilization lies a disorderly and savage reality, highlighting the complexities of the human condition that Conrad explores in his work.