Heart of Darkness

Definition

'Heart of Darkness' is a novella written by Joseph Conrad that explores themes of imperialism, colonialism, and the darkness within humanity as it follows the journey of Charles Marlow into the African Congo. This work serves as a critique of European colonial practices and reflects the moral ambiguities and psychological complexities faced by individuals in the throes of exploitation and civilization's contradictions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Heart of Darkness' was published in 1899, during a time when European imperialism was at its height, making its critique particularly relevant.
2. The novella uses the journey into the Congo River as a metaphor for a deeper exploration into the human psyche and the moral darkness that lies within civilization.
3. Kurtz, a central character in the story, symbolizes the corrupting influence of power and greed in colonial contexts, ultimately leading to his downfall.
4. Conrad employs a frame narrative structure, with Marlow recounting his tale to listeners aboard a boat on the Thames River, emphasizing the connections between London and the colonial atrocities in Africa.
5. The language and imagery used in 'Heart of Darkness' often blur the lines between civilization and savagery, raising questions about what it truly means to be 'civilized'.

Review Questions

• How does Conrad use Marlow's journey into the Congo to reflect on European imperialist practices?
  • Conrad uses Marlow's journey into the Congo as an allegory for the destructive nature of European imperialism. As Marlow travels deeper into Africa, he encounters the brutal realities of colonial exploitation, revealing not only the physical but also psychological impacts on both colonizers and colonized. This journey highlights the hypocrisy of civilized European ideals when confronted with the atrocities committed in the name of progress and commerce.
• Discuss how 'Heart of Darkness' portrays the psychological effects of colonialism on both colonizers and indigenous people.
  • 'Heart of Darkness' presents a complex picture of colonialism's psychological effects through characters like Kurtz and Marlow. For Kurtz, power leads to madness as he succumbs to primal instincts in isolation from civilization. Conversely, Marlow grapples with guilt and moral confusion as he witnesses the degradation inflicted upon African people. The novella suggests that colonialism not only dehumanizes those oppressed but also corrupts those who wield power over them.
• Evaluate how 'Heart of Darkness' contributes to postcolonial discourse through its themes and narrative techniques.
  • 'Heart of Darkness' significantly contributes to postcolonial discourse by critiquing imperialist ideology and exposing its moral contradictions. Through its complex narrative structure and rich symbolism, Conrad invites readers to question traditional narratives of progress associated with colonialism. The novella's exploration of darkness as both a physical landscape and a metaphor for moral corruption challenges notions of civilization and savagery, offering insights into the lasting impacts of colonial domination that resonate in contemporary discussions about race, identity, and power dynamics.

Related terms

Imperialism: 'Imperialism' refers to the policy or ideology where a nation extends its power and influence over other countries or territories, often through colonization or military force, which is a central theme in 'Heart of Darkness'.

Colonialism: 'Colonialism' is the practice of domination involving the subjugation of one people to another, typically involving settlement and exploitation, and is critically examined through Marlow's journey in the novella.

Postcolonialism: 'Postcolonialism' is a critical framework that analyzes the cultural, political, and social impacts of colonization and imperialism, shedding light on the legacies left behind, which are integral to understanding 'Heart of Darkness'.