The Bearer of the Shield
Set in the Belgian colony of the Congo, Joseph Conrad's novella Heart of Darkness centers upon European colonial activities. On the surface, the protagonist Marlow seems to denounce the hypocrisy within imperialism. He lashes out against imperialism's inherent cruelty towards Africans and also subtlety hints at imperialism's fall by alluding to the sense of revenge within the African jungle. However, these condemnations of imperialism do not necessarily label Marlow as an anti-imperialist. In fact, Marlow's actions manifest his support of imperialism. The tendency to glorify imperialism already exists in Marlow before he experiences imperialism first hand. When Marlow recalls his impression of seeing the Company map depicting colonial
Marlow clearly stands as an imperialist - one whose true aim targets at territorial expansion and wealth through exploitation of Africa's treasures. His denunciation against imperialism that arises from his observant, critical character does not have enough force to change his imperialistic beliefs. By reasoning how the benefits of European interference in Africa allow the natives to escape from a savage-like state, Marlow shows his imperialistic attitude. To rationalize the violence and immorality of imperialism, Marlow keeps on insisting on a vague, greater good, as if there really exists a certain, more noble idea behind imperialism. As a typical imperialist, Marlow emphasizes imperialism's contribution to civilization. By emphasizing how British territorial expansion leads to national prestige, Marlow praises imperialism and acts as yet another European votary of imperialism. When he summarizes his view on imperialism several years after his adventure, Marlow says, "What redeems it [the conquest of the earth] is the idea only. To describe his African fireman, Marlow says ". During his actual experience in the Congo, Marlow also commends imperialism's contribution to enhancing civilization.
Common topics in this essay:
Furthermore Marlow,
Heart Darkness,
Congo Marlow,
Europe African,
Set Belgian,
Joseph Conrad's,
experience congo,
imperialism marlow,
territorial expansion,
imperialism's contribution,
imperialism actual,
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Acceptance Essays
