In Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, the protagonist, Marlow, embarks on a journey through the African Congo to find the enigmatic and mad European trader, Kurtz. Along the way, Marlow encounters a variety of symbols that represent the corruption, brutality, and darkness that pervades both the colonized Congo and the European colonizers themselves.
One prominent symbol in the novel is the river, which serves as the backdrop for Marlow's journey. The river is described as a "mighty big river," with "a strong brown god" that "swept one along." The river's force and power represent the wild and untamed nature of the Congo, as well as the dangers that Marlow faces on his journey. The river also symbolizes the uncertainty and chaos of the colonized world, as Marlow is frequently at the mercy of the currents and must navigate through treacherous rapids and unknown territory.
Another symbol in the novel is the company's station, which represents the European colonization and exploitation of the Congo. The station is described as a "scramble of buildings" that is "in the midst of the woods," symbolizing the intrusion of European culture into the natural world. The station is also described as being "not quite as desolate as the land," highlighting the superficial and temporary nature of European presence in the Congo. The company's station represents the greed and brutality of the European colonizers, as they seek to extract resources and wealth from the land and its people.
A third symbol in the novel is the character of Kurtz, who represents the corrupting influence of power and greed. Kurtz is described as a brilliant and charismatic man who has become "hollow" and "insane" in the Congo. His descent into madness represents the corrupting influence of colonization and the pursuit of power and wealth. Kurtz's final words, "The horror! The horror!" symbolize the realization of the atrocities committed in the name of colonization and the inherent darkness at the heart of human nature.
In conclusion, Heart of Darkness is filled with symbols that represent the corruption, brutality, and darkness of European colonization and the human condition. The river, the company's station, and Kurtz all serve as symbols of the dangers and consequences of greed and the pursuit of power. Through these symbols, Conrad critiques the brutality of colonialism and reveals the inherent darkness at the heart of human nature.
Symbolism In Heart Of Darkness By Joseph Conrad
Third, the change which comes in him during his stay, among the savages, symbolizes the influence of barbarism upon a civilized man. However, the author was not trying to justify which colour was good and which was bad. Racism has been an inherent part of common thought for centuries. The Russian, who resembles a harlequin, symbolizes inquisitiveness, loyalty and fidelity. People fail to understand each other, and as such, they regard each other in lower lights. The novel is about an expedition being taken up in the Congo River into Congo Africa.
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In his passage, Conrad, instead of adhering to the traditional notions of purity and evil associated with the symbols of light and dark, intentionally subverts and intermingles them to reveal underlying themes concerning the immorality inherent in human nature and the unbelievably horrific tragedies Heart Of Darkness Research Paper 915 Words 4 Pages Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad is a story that centers around Marlow, an introverted sailor, and his treacherous journey up the Congo River in search of a man name Kurtz. Ivory is the commodity in which the company's agents are most interested. However, the ideas and notions presented by Conrad in this story has generated quite a bit of controversy among academic scholars and literature experts who believe the novel creates a sense of racial animosity towards the African continent and its people. Ultimately, their ethnocentrism led to violence and the stereotype of danger in Africa. Kurtz is a wealthy, ambitious man who is full of greed and hunger for power.
Heart of Darkness: Symbols
Over a series of months, Marlow journeys up the Congo River, finds Kurtz, witnesses his death, and returns to Europe as a different man. When he made his trip to the Congo, Marlow could immediately tell the difference. It was unearthly, and the men were — No, they were not inhuman. The wilderness robs the sailors of their growing knowledge of the jungle by draping the river in a dense fog. Get your paper price 124 experts online This almost suggests what is to come, not only of the invasion of the natives but the impact that it will have on their own minds. The Trading Company is so committed to power and wealth through the collection of ivory that they are blind to moral values. Some form of exploitation of the Africans by the Europeans can be picked up from the novel too.
Symbols and Their Meanings in "Heart of Darkness"
Coetzee, apparent in the white population of the frontier town, lies in the ever present idea that black people are inherently evil and should be avoided at all times. Like her Africa also remains come to the interference of Europe and when the later go away they leave behind them destruction, devastation, and death. Conrad also uses flies to symbolize death. Marlow also had to face the evil of the jungle around him. This realization fuels the frustration of those aboard the man-of-war to unleash a tangible attack on a continent, on Africa, on Darkness. It could be interpreted that the anonymity of the narrator represents the conventional perspective of an outsider, someone not involved. Some of the men, especially Mr.
