The
Heart of Darkness presents attitudes of the world from the
ninteenth-century: Europe being the epitome of goodness whereas Africa is the
region of darkness and despair. The alleged reason for European colonization
during this time people is to implement order and civilization and to discover
final prosperity. Many view during this time that it is a white European’s duty
to assist and transform the underprivileged; however, this transformation
commonly comes in a form of forcing natives to succumb to English traditions or
to comply to labor demands. Marlow uses this theory to justify his actions—he
feels that the actions he takes to conquer third world countries are excused
since he’s there for the good of the people.
Although this novel is written
during the time of the Enlightenment, Conrad directly goes against one of its
core concepts. The Enlightenment ideals state that the heart of every man is
pure and society is responsible for corrupting it. Conrad, on the other hand,
believes that darkness lies within the individual and that it can emerge and
overcome one under certain circumstances.
On a similar note, Conrad begins
his novella on The Nellie, which is
sailing on the Thames River in London. This location is supposed to represent
the upmost society, but this river is still connected to the waters of Africa.
By presenting this scenario, Conrad argues that darkness cannot be destroyed
because it infects nearly all things.
Marlow’s journey through “the heart of darkness” helps him realize this,
“The offing was barred by a black bank of clouds, and the tranquil waterway
leading to the uttermost ends of the earth flowed somber under an overcast sky
– seemed to lead into the heart of an immense darkness” (Conrad 72). At the end
of the novella, Marlow stares down the Thames River and see the darkness in
London itself.
Overall, Kurtz life in Africa
mirrors Conrad’s view of civilization. While Kurtz is in Africa, he is seen as
a heroic figure, but he also has many flaws. Marlow comments that Kurtz claims
he wants only justice and believes that his death was deserved. Similar to
Kurtz’s death, Conrad feels that society is subjected to the same fate and
destined to be overcome by the darkness that exists in the heart of mankind.
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