What is one example of the ineffectiveness of the colonialist activities that Marlow witnesses in Africa?

A. A group of railroad workers set off dynamite on a cliff that isn't in their path.

B. Some colonists get sick or faint due to the climate conditions.

C. An accountant keeps his books in "apple-pie order" amid the chaos of the jungle.

D. The Nellie can't set sail, so the men wait for the tide to change.

A. A group of railroad workers set off dynamite on a cliff that isn't in their path. (APEX)

A). A group of railroad workers set off dynamite on a cliff that isn't in their path.

Explanation:

Joseph Conrad's popular work 'Heart Of Darkness' primarily deals with the issues of colonialism and its absurd and evil aspects. Conrad primarily aims to reveal the inner darkness of the colonizers and their exploitation of the resources (human and natural) of Africans in the name of civilizing them.

As per the question, option A i. e. 'A group of railroad workers set off dynamite on a cliff that isn't in their path' display the example of ineffectiveness of the colonialist activities in Africa as witnessed by Marlow. This reveals the primitive and grotesque character of the Africans. However, the chief aim is to highlight the inner void and darkness (the failure) of the colonizers who were looting Africa in the name of civilizing them. Thus, option A is the correct answer.