Joseph Conrad¹s novel Heart of Darkness is about a seaman named
Charlie Marlow and an experience he had as a younger man. Early in
the novel it becomes apparent that there is a great deal of tension
in Marlow¹s mind about whether he should profit from the immoral
actions of the company he works for which is involved in the ivory
trade in Africa. Marlow believes that the company is ignorant of the
tension between moral enlightenment and capitalism . The
dehumanization of its laborers which is so early apparent to Marlow
seems to be unknown to other members of the Company¹s management.
In this story Marlow¹s aunt represents capitalism. Her efforts to get
him a job are significant because of the morally compromising nature
of the work of which she seems totally ignorant. When Marlow expresses
doubts about the nature of the work, she replies, ³You forget, dear
Charlie, that the labourer is worthy of his hire² (12). It is clear
that Marlow has mixed feelings about the whole idea. At one point,
trying to justify his actions to himself, he says, ³You understand it
was a continental concern, that Trading Society; but I have a lot of
relations on the living continent, because it¹s cheap and not so nasty
as it looks they say² (12). Marlow finally takes the job, however,
and tells himself that the pain and unusually harsh treatment the
workers are subjected to is minimal.
During the tests and the requirements that he has to undergo before
entering the jungle Marlow feels that he is being treated like a
freak. The doctor measures his head and asks him questions such as,
³Ever any madness in your family?² (15). In this part of the story
Marlow is made to feel small and unimportant. Any feelings or
concerns that he has are not important to the company, and as a
result, he feels alone. It is only logical that Marlow would have been
...