Often far away there I thought of these two, guarding the door of Darkness, knitting black wool as for a warm pall, one introducing, introducing continuously to the unknown, the other scrutinizing the cheery and foolish faces with unconcerned old eyes. Ave! Old knitter of black wool. Morituri te salutant. Not many of those she looked at ever saw her again--not half, by a long way.
In "Heart of Darkness," the narrator reflects on two significant figures who embody the themes of life and death. One figure represents the unknown, continuously leading others into darkness, while the other observes those entering with a detached demeanor, seemingly indifferent to their fate. This duality highlights the inevitability of mortality and the mystery that encompasses human existence.
The phrase "Morituri te salutant," meaning "Those who are about to die salute you," underscores the gravity of their roles. The knitter of black wool symbolizes the ever-present shadow of death, while the chance of survival for those she observes is minimal. Conrad uses this imagery to evoke a sense of foreboding and reflect on the uncertain nature of life.
