Heart of Darkness
No summary, no dissecting out of a "subject", is adequate to express the intention and significance of Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness". The theme is not schematic; it is embodied in the metaphors, in the structural pattern, and the step-by-step flow of the narration. However, Conrad does have one identifiable chief concern. As he himself stated in a letter to F. N. Doubleday on June 2, 1924: "I think that an author who tries to 'explain' is exposing himself to a very great risk-the risk of confessing himself a failure. For a work of art should speak for itself. Yet much could be said on the other side; for it is also clear that a work of art is not a logical demonstration carrying its intention on the face of it." "Heart of Darkness" has it significant public side, as a heated document on illogical and brutal exploitation. It may be read merely to shock, yet it is evidence of things seen and done. To attempt to understand the purpose of the story, it is important to first closely evaluate Marlow's character. One would think that Marlow is merely the obvious medium through which we examine the exploitation of the Congo natives and the degradation of Mr. Kurtz, the 'hollow man'. However, "Heart of Darkness" is above
The principle in Marlow's interview with Kurtz's Intended does not consist in Marlow's feelings toward her or in the discrepancy between her opinion of Kurtz, but rather in the acceptance of darkness by a messenger of light. The Inner Station was the farthest point of his experience. Imagery of dark and light are functional to Marlow. The Intended's overpowering admiration of Kurtz injures Marlow, but he refrains from giving Kurtz the justice he once asked for. But Marlow repeats frequently enough that he is recounting a spiritual voyage of self-discovery. It also presents the closely related theme of light versus dark, or white versus black. Conrad plays with these themes at length, sometimes using imagery in traditional ways and also creating shock and significant reversals. He allows himself only to say that Kurtz's death was as worthy of his life, which she takes as a positive remark. To Conrad, Marlow is the target, as Kurtz seems Marlow's. Marlow tells a small to keep the Intended in the dark by preserving her light. Marlow at one point even admits to feeling a certain kinship with the savages on the shore, despite their unfamiliar customs and wild displays. The theme of civilization versus savagery is significant, and begins almost immediately. In any event, it is important to recognize that the story is not primarily about Kurtz or about the cruelty of Belgian officials but about Marlow its narrator. But even this light is vague-as her black dress implies. This leads to the conclusion and an attempt to uncover meaning in both "Heart of Darkness" and Marlow as a character.
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Acceptance Essays
