Abstract
This paper takes the approach, used by Clifford Geertz in "Islam Observed", of understanding culture through metaphor. The paper points out that Geertz used man as a metaphor for society and the contradictions within man as a metaphor for the greater contradictions within society. It then goes on to analyze Joseph Conrad's book, "Heart of Darkness", by analyzing the characters in the novel as though they were a metaphor for the different aspects of European society of that period.

From the Paper
"Kurtz figure hangs over the entire novel like an extremely intriguing enigma. Everything we hear about him initially is a positive he is a man of the utmost learning and the greatest kindness and ability who seems to have gained everyone's respect. But something about him has gone wrong and something has changed him."

Tags:analytical, anthropoligical, islamic, culture, literary, analysis, european, dark, continent