Contrasting the id, the superego restrains the mind from running wild. The presumption that whites are restrained and sophisticated is a false ideal, and it is shown that the natives can also display restraint according to their situation, as seen by the cannibals, and the enslaved africans in the outer and central stations. Cannibals are often thought as monstrous, violent animals that would eat one another the second they had the chance. However, on Marlowe’s boat to the inner station, they are seen to have complete restraint over their hunger, even when the run out of food. Marlowe even comments on their restraint “QUOTE”. This example depicts how even cannibals can show a superego when in the right circumstance. The situation of employment the cannibals are in, undoubtedly demands them to restrain themselves and act more civilized. The consequence for not doing so could be either not receiving payment, or a harsh punishment. The natives are also seen as savage beasts that are barbaric and have strange rituals, as seen in the inner station and Marlowe's journey to the inner station, where they are attacked by natives. However, in the outer and central station, they are enslaved and obediently follow their masters. The fear of being punished is what most likely keeps the natives tied down. So, the environment can not only cause civilized people to run wild, when there is a lack of restraint, but also force those that were wild and free to become subservient and "civilized."
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