Characters, Setting, Themes, and Symbols of Heart of Darkness

Heart of Darkness written by Joseph Conrad is dramatic tale of an arduous trek into the darkest part of Africa at the turn of the twentieth century. The story follows the protagonist Marlow, an English marine merchant, as he travels through the African jungle up the Congo river in search for a mysterious man named Kurtz. Through Marlow's narration, Conrad provides a searing indictment of European colonial exploitation inflicted upon African natives. Through his use of irony, characters, and symbolism in the novel, Conrad aims to unveil the underlying horrors of colonialism. By shedding light on the brutality of colonialism in Heart of Darkness, Conrad shows that European values have been irrevocably eclipsed by darkness.

The novel, Heart of Darkness, by Joseph Conrad, portrays a dark and somber theme throughout the entirety of the book. Even in the end, the darkness is still there. But even so, the end is difficult to understand. The ending is very vague on certain perspectives. Conrad intentionally does this, not to detract from the rest of the novel, but to sum the entirety of his main point up.

Heart of Darkness is a novel about the complexity of human nature, as well as the relevant matter of imperialism and colonialism, written by Joseph Conrad, one of the most famous novelist in the history of English literature. The novel focuses on Charlie Marlow, a boat caption, and his experience up the Congo river. Throughout the novel, Conrad is critical of European imperialism, and expresses his opinions through symbols and characters.

Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness takes place in a world built on imperialism. Written in 1899, Conrad is living in a world still very much involved in Africa. Infect this presence did not begin to end until the early 1960s. Heart of Darkness can be viewed as a very forward thinking book. Joseph Conrad utilizes his book as a mean to send a message. He utilizes his rhetorical devices and moves in order to help him get this message across. One way Conrad portrays his message is by establishing the connection between light and dark. Additionally Conrad uses vivid description to depict the savage behavior of the natives. He makes meaning by later creating a parallel with the behaviors of the white imperialists. Conrad also utilizes imagery to describe the perceived outcome of the voyage in the eyes of the imperialists. He makes meaning by doing this as he later contrasts this showing how things are oven not as they seem. Continuing the idea that things are often not as they seem is Conrad’s diction

Joseph Conrad utilizes the essential differences between “primal” and “primitive” to tell the story, Heart of Darkness. Through Marlow, the reader is posed with existential questions on personal beliefs and humanity. A resounding theme of the story is the emotional journey for purpose and the idea that it is not enough to find a purpose, but to be candid in the fulfillment of said

Early in the narration of the heart of the darkness, it starts as Marlow the fellow sailor traveler that has an adventuress mindset but he is a very quiet and in his own mind. Marlow from the beginning he shows himself as an isolated figure and an outsider who is apart from the other seamen and even within the Nellie of the river he is a very sensitive observer and seems too distinct himself from among

Heart of Darkness Lens Essay Novels often contain a complex story line to attract the attention of its audience. Sometimes authors use complex themes and ideas to convey their story. The novel Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad uses a variety of indirect literary structures which help to expand the deeper meaning of the story. Through application of critical lenses, Conrad’s novel Heart of Darkness unfolds multiple interpretations which help reveal the source of its literary merit.

     Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad is a story about a man named Marlow and his Journey into the African Congo. By reading the novel and understanding all the imagery Conrad has inserted, we can get a better understanding of the

Due to man’s ability for evil, both Conrad and Leibniz argue that a deterioration of these morals exist when in penetrating and corrupt circumstances despite the commonality or “justice” in a structured civilization. The greatest motive for working in the Congo is the grand opportunity to obtain ivory. Meeting Kurtz in the Inner Station, Marlow experiences a “heavy, mute spell of wilderness” that draws him “to the pitiless breast” all by the “awakening of forgotten and brutal instincts, by the memory of gratified [...] passions” (Conrad 82). Conrad alludes that such force has caused Kurtz to dwell and reside to savage manners. Although it may seem like only the powers of darkness assaulted Kurtz, no “devil is too much of a devil” and it is indeed with the significant combination of the personal, overwhelming desire for Ivory that lead to his deterioration. In “Opinion on the Principles of Pufendorf”, Leibniz believes it is self-evident that desire always drive the man drives

In Marlow’s eyes, the Thames River symbolizes the birth of many glorious expeditions to capture the opportunity of the world with reference to previous sailors before him. As he and his crew sail out of the Thames, he notes, “The water shone pacifically; the sky, without a speck, was a benign immensity of unstained light.” (166) Not only does the Thames represent a place of genesis in the exploratory world, but

“[H]is soul was mad. Being alone in the wilderness, it had looked within itself, and, by heavens! I tell you, it had gone mad” (Conrad 100). In Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad portrays man as he perceives him to be, a dark animal consumed by the evil in his heart. Conrad, being an atheist, understands no ultimate authority for right and wrong, but he does see corruption in the hearts of men.

Inherent inside every human soul is a savage evil side that remains repressed by society. Often this evil side breaks out during times of isolation from our culture, and whenever one culture confronts another. History is loaded with examples of atrocities that have occurred when one culture comes into contact with another. Whenever fundamentally different cultures meet, there is often a fear of contamination and loss of self that leads us to discover more about our true selves, often causing perceived madness by those who have yet to discover their own self.  Joseph Conrad’s book, The Heart of Darkness is a story about Man’s journey into his self, the discoveries to be made there and about

The novel Heart of Darkness, by Joseph Conrad, contains several implications of racism that can be further understood based on Conrad’s diction, symbolism, and background. Conrad is shown to be racist through close scrutinization of his wording. Throughout the story, Conrad uses diction that is odd and shocking for readers. Conrad’s choice of words is derogatory and condescending when he makes it seem like the people who live in the Congo are less than Europeans, as though they are not even human. Singh says “he uses words like brutal, monstrous, vengeful, implacable, inscrutable, evil, accursed, hopeless, dark, and pitiless so constantly in talking about Africa that the people of Africa begin to be tinged by the qualities that these words

Although, as a society, we discourage the process of not judging a book by its cover, we have all been guilty of doing it at some point. The first item we look at when we pick up a new book is the title and the cover as a whole. These are two key components when it comes to using our heuristics to decide if a book is worthwhile reading or not. With only two items to judge by, each has to hold significant importance in order to draw a reader into reading the novel. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad represents a mysterious title to draw readers into reading the novel, but hold a much more significant underlying meaning which represents many elements in the novel, while also symbolizing external concepts in the overall plot. The title represents many important elements such as the character of Mr. Kurtz and others, to the setting of Africa in the novel, and to the concept of the evil nature of imperialism outside of the novel. Through the title, Conrad has created significance for elements of the novel creating a very large impact on readers of the book.

Beyond the shield of civilization and into the depths of a primitive, untamed frontier lies the true face of the human soul. It is in the midst of this savagery and unrelenting danger that mankind confronts the brooding nature of his inner self.  Joseph Conrad’s novel, Heart of Darkness, is the story of one man's insight into life as he embarks on a voyage to the edges of the world. Here, he meets the bitter, yet enlightening forces that eventually shape his outlook on life and his own individuality. Conrad’s portrayal of the characters, setting, and symbols, allow the reader to reflect on the true nature of man.