"Heart of Darkness"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines British writer Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" as well as the novel's primary theme of darkness, which the author maintains that each person contains within himself. This well-written paper clearly details the setting of the novel, which originally appeared in serial form in "Blackwood's Magazine" in 1899, as well as the plot and main characters. This paper analyzes Conrad's placement of his characters in the face of European imperialism and the colonization of Africa which results in giving even more depth to the concept of darkness. The author suggests that darkness is hidden deep within every person, yet he does not make an overt attack on the business of imperialism itself that acts as a catalyst for that darkness, as depicted in this particular novel.

From the Paper:

"The trip up the Congo when the ship is finally repaired further evinces a criticism of the company. Natives are employed and "educated" for menial tasks and no native receives any respect or much attention at all in Marlow's story. Marlow considers the humanity of the native voices he hears along the shore and he thinks about "principles" and "acquisitions," but then concludes "Fine sentiments be hanged! I had no time...There was surface-truth enough in these things to save a wiser man." Work and duty saved Marlow from letting his sanity be compromised by the forces at work in the Congo. A sinister fear is attached to the sightings of natives along the shore which culminates in the attack of Marlow's boat when it has nearly arrived at its destination: the ivory outpost where the legendary Mr. Kurtz is the lone person in charge."

More papers on "Heart of Darkness":

• Analytical Essay # 141464 : "Human Nature in "Heart of Darkness"
• Analytical Essay # 149305 : "Marlow in Heart of Darkness: A Colonial Co-conspirator or A Subversive Sympathizer?"
• Analytical Essay # 141458 : "Human Nature in Conrad's "Heart of Darkness"
• Analytical Essay # 46854 : "Heart of Darkness": Kurtz and Marlow Compared"

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