Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" was written in 1899; therefore, when reading the book from this historical time, the reader must keep in mind the prevailing norms of that period and compare the thoughts of the author to those of the norms of this period. The author points out that this novel is based on Conrad's firsthand experience of the Congo region of West Africa, which was gained when Conrad was actually sent up the Congo River to an inner station to rescue a company agent, who died a few days later aboard ship. The paper relates that "Heart of Darkness" is told in the words of Charlie Marlow, a seaman, and filtered through the thoughts of an unidentified, listening narrator.

From the Paper:

"In 1899, when "Heart of Darkness" was first published, both Europe and America were well on their way to building empires in other parts of the world. Several European states had already experienced unprecedented expansion worldwide during the last third of the nineteenth century due to increased industrialization, adventurism, and paternalism. Latin America, Asia and Africa were targeted to control seaports and trade. England, the leading European colonial power, had already established much of its overseas empire, followed by France with territories in Southeast Asia and North Africa, and Portugal, Spain and Holland, who still retained some of their earlier holdings. Germany and Italy were quite new to the game."

More papers on Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness":

• Analytical Essay # 63084 : "Heart of Darkness"
• Analytical Essay # 141458 : "Human Nature in Conrad's "Heart of Darkness"
• Book Review # 100803 : "Heart of Darkness"
• Analytical Essay # 149305 : "Marlow in Heart of Darkness: A Colonial Co-conspirator or A Subversive Sympathizer?"

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