CULTURAL IDENTITY IN HEART OF DARKNESS
CULTURAL IDENTITY IN HEART OF DARKNESSA text reflects the cultural identity of the society it was written in, through its construction of race gender, class and ethnicity. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad is a recount of Marlow's journey through Africa. It is seen by some as a critique of the colonialism that was being undertaken by Europeans in the 19th century. While it may not defend all the aspects of its society, it is possible to gain an understanding of the dominant values and attitudes that prevailed during this period, by studying the novel's portrayal of women and Africans and the self image of its characters as a reflection of their ethnicity.The impression that the reader is given throughout Heart of Darkness is the superiority of the European culture over that of the African's. Marlow draws a distinction between the invasion of England by the Romans and the invasion of Africa. 'What saves us is efficency... and an unselfish belief in the idea,'claims Marlow. Here it is shown that the Europeans considered themselves to be an advanced society. The idea of being 'an emissary of light', which Marlow tells us his society has a fascination with, is another indication of this self image of supremacy.
This text has the ability to alienate its female readers with its blatant categorization and dismissal of women. good to see at any time, because one knows that some real work is done in there'. They are not portrayed as individuals but rather in groups, as enemies, rebels, cannibals or criminals. She is invested with a captivating 'savage and superb' beauty, and forward personality 'something ominous and stately in her deliberate progress. Progress is an integral part of the ethnic creed that this book represents. The African lifestyle is not considered a legitimate one and the lack of interest shown toward developing relationships, other than the dominating and dominated power structure already in place with the African people, in the text, mirrors the indifference that the colonists of the time had for cultures differing from their own. His obvious delight with the 'apple pie order' that the Accountant manages to maintain while posted in the jungle is another indicator of the importance of order, discipline and hard work to the ethnic creed that Marlow subscribes. Marlow' asides expounding on their ignorance and unsophisticated natures'They live in a world of their own'. It is clear that the Europeans regarded themselves and their ideas in higher regard than the African lifestyle. A post colonialist modern stance encourages readers to be accepting of different cultures. It is also a clear indication of how class systems are integrated into this society. Women are also unnamed, but rather than being identified by their occupations, they are defined by their relationships to men. When Kurtz leaves the aboard the steamer she can do nothing but stand passively on the shore and 'stretch tragically her bare arms after us'. Heart of Darkness constructs its women as one dimensional stereotypes and dehumanizes the African people. Aboard the steamer Marlow has a black boiler keeper.
Common topics in this essay:
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