Democracy and Revolution

Costaguana is a fictional country, but it represents the turbulent political history of many countries in Central America, both in Joseph Conrad's time and the present. These nations suffer through continuous cycles of revolution and oppression, which never seem to end. Martin Decoud acts as the outside observer of Costaguana's troubles. From his perspective, the Central American nations continue the cycle of civil conflict without any chance of developing a stable democracy. He argues instead, that the nation cannot be saved, and should be divided among people with similar interests.

Democratic ideals are debated throughout the novel, though this discussion occurs only among the upper classes. The town leaders of Sulaco design newsletters proclaiming their democratic plans for Costaguana and denounce the military leaders for abandoning democracy. At the same time, they rely on their wealth and position abroad to guarantee their democratic aspirations. Decoud, however...