The Congo Free State

Paper Summary:

This paper describes the atrocities committed in the Congo Free State and further compares how they were represented in two works of literature: Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" and "Adam Hochschild's "King Leopold's Ghost". The author explores how, although Joseph Conrad and Adam Hochschild both deal with the violent imperialism of the Congo, they also have different understandings and perspectives on its historic impact. The brutal rule of King Leopold of Belgium over the Congo is described in both works. The author concludes that Conrad and Hochschild both agree that the Congo Free State was a primary example of the horrors of colonization.

From the Paper:

" The Congo Free State was a private colony owned by the King of Belgium King Leopold 1st. Known historically as a place of brutal repression and exploitation of Africans by Europeans seeking personal motivations of greed, it is depicted by both Hochschild and Conrad. King Leopold killed many of the native people that were not only treated as slaves, but brutally in a way that was far worse than other instances of slavery. King Leopold went to great lengths to colonize the colony and use explorers for his own personal gain. King Leopold lied to the world convincing them he would give power to the native people and treat them well and better than other European nations, but instead turned to colonial notions in order to maximize profitability and take advantage of his holdings. Thus sets the stage for the portrayal of the dehumanizing impact of colonization and imperialism."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness. The Literature Network. 18 Apr. 2007 <http://www.online-literature.com/conrad/heart_of_darkness/>.
• Hochschild, Adam. King Leopold'S Ghost : a Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa. London: Macmillan, 1999.
• Noble, Thomas. Western Civilization : the Continuing Experiment. 2nd ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1998.
• Walters, Colin. "Englishmen Set Adrift in Congo." The Washinton Post 3 Nov. 2003. 18 Apr. 2007 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5000849670>.

More papers on The Congo Free State:

• Book Review # 105052 : "In A Free State"
• Analytical Essay # 134511 : "Elements of Caribbean Life in "In A Free State"
• Essay # 32606 : "The Congo"

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