Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness”, a piece of literary work that is full of symbolism and contemplation, is an excellent example of this. On the surface, it is the story of Marlow, a man who travels to Sub-Saharan Africa in search for adventure and works for a company selling ivory. But the deeper meaning of the story revolves around the “darkness”. The story is an exploration into the word “darkness”, revealing all that is evil in men’s hearts. The characters of “Heart of Darkness”, have all been carefully crafted to further develop the theme of darkness. The reader will be surprised to learn that “Heart of Darkness”, although it is a theme, has a lot more depth than initially appears.
“Heart of Darkness”, a book about Africa, is very blunt in its description of Africa’s backwardness and lack of civilisation. Marlow’s travels are described in a way that makes it clear what he meant. Marlow’s description of Africans living at Outer Station is a good example. “They weren’t enemies, criminals or anything earthly, now they are nothing more than black shadows caused by disease and hunger.” This statement does not sound like a very positive view of Africa. Kurtz writes, “Exterminate All the Beasts” when referring to Africans. This shows that Marlow does not feel this way alone. Even the African landscape is described as being dark, brutish and evil. It is still not the “darkness” of the title.
Europe, and its people in particular, appear as if they are entities of light. Marlow, who has just seen the filthy, poor Africans in front of the Outer Station and then gone inside to meet The Accountant is described as follows: “I met this miracle… I admired his collars, large cuffs, brushed hair… Despite the demoralization that the country was going through, he kept his appearance up.” It’s backbone.” The description is certainly one of a beacon in the darkness. The reader is continually made aware of Europe’s importance. Marlow says, “All of Europe has contributed to Kurtz’s making”. This statement is meant to give the impression that Kurtz’s crimes are still being justified despite the “light of Europe”. It also leads the reader into believing these actions were admired. It is from this that the notion of “Heart of Darkness’s” racist nature arises. But it’s much more than that. The status of Europe as a beacon is also not what it appears to be.
If you read “Heart of Darkness”, Africa’s people and the continent seem like the darkness. Europe and the continent seem like the light. But a closer look at the story will reveal otherwise. Europe is truly the darkness. The last paragraph mentions that “All Europe contributed towards the making of Kurtz”. This is a point that breaks the reader’s heart. They support Kurtz in spite of his horrible actions because the “darkness” he is fighting is supposedly “dark”. The phrase “thank you” and “good work” are not a set complement. The same phrase can be used both to say “All Europe deserves to be proud of the contribution they made to Kurtz”, and to say “All Europe shares the blame” – the latter is more logical. Once this realization is made, it becomes clear that the criticism of Europe has become more pronounced. In this way, Kurtz’s statement about the shackling of an African and the beating that followed makes more sense. It’s a clear criticism of Europe.
As the first barrier has been removed, many story elements can now be interpreted as criticisms of Europe. Kurtz’s demise is a good example. When he dies, he cries out, “The Horror!” Now it is clear that he has finally come to realize the evil of his dark and cruel ways. Kurtz, along with the Europeans who acted in concert with him, must now be seen and understood for what it was: Kurtz’s use of violence to divide the African tribes for his own personal gain, (ivory), and the Accountant s rage against the sick Africans over their illnesses, or even the personal insults made to them (the n word) are now meant as critiques on the Europeans. They are not racist remarks, but rather a way to criticize the Europeans. It is only now that the real reason behind painting Africa in a dark savage light can be understood: To make Europe look even darker. It would be a tragedy if Europe had become even more brutal and uncivilized as a result of its actions.
The theme of “Heart of Darkness,” which is a complex one, is evident in all of its characters. Africa appears to be the darkest place on earth: a place of brutality and savagery. Europe appears to be a bright light in contrast, despite its dark past. Soon the story spirals, becoming more complex and revealing the opposite to what the reader initially perceived. The complexity of “Heart of Darkness”, and the reasons for it, make this a story that is worth reading.
