The word "ivory" held a significant weight, echoing through conversations with an almost sacred reverence. People seemed to be enthralled by it, as if it represented something holy or desirable. This fascination masked a darker undertone of greed and exploitation that accompanied the pursuit of ivory, revealing a stark contrast between admiration and the brutality behind its acquisition.

This obsession with ivory unveiled a sense of moral decay and ignorance among those who sought it. The reference to a "whiff from some corpse" highlights the underlying corruption and devastation tied to the ivory trade. Conrad illustrates how the allure of wealth and possessions can distort human values, framing the desire for ivory not just as material greed but as a reflection of ethical decay.