Themes: The Sins of Imperialism
In Marlow’s account of his travels in the Congo, he is highly skeptical of the European imperialist attitude that the colonization of Africa will improve it. He shows how colonization is no different from conquest, except in the way that it is presented to the European public. Evidence for this view includes Marlow’s introduction to the tale, wherein he remarks that, “It was just robbery with violence, aggravated murder on a great scale, and men going at it blind—as is very proper for those who tackle a darkness.”
This blunt indictment of imperialism, veiled in a reference to the Roman conquest of Britain, lays the foundation for the reader to be equally critical of what is said versus what is happening. When Marlow enters the Congo and sees the slave men being led by another white man, he realizes that he is complicit in imperialism. He ironically notes that he “also was a part of the great cause of these high and just proceedings.”
Part of Marlow’s disgust towards imperialism stems from the disconnect he perceives between the alleged mission of the Europeans and their actual actions in the Congo. The Europeans believe that they are bringing order to Africa in the form of civilization, but when Marlow arrives at the European station, all he finds is chaos. The Chief Accountant ignores everything around him in lieu of making sure that the finances are always in order, but the work and supplies are not properly seen to. The Europeans claim civilized superiority, but their actions reveal only a chaotic desire for wealth through any means necessary.
Expert Q&A
In Heart of Darkness, how were the cannibals more civilized than the pilgrims?
In Heart of Darkness, the cannibals are more civilized than the pilgrims because they exhibit restraint and composure. Despite facing hunger and having inedible food, the cannibals do not attack Marlow and the pilgrims. They remain calm and composed, even during threatening situations, while the pilgrims panic and act irrationally.
In Heart of Darkness, what does "efficiency" mean in the context of imperialism?
In Heart of Darkness, "efficiency" in the context of imperialism means maximizing resource extraction with minimal waste. This includes using advanced technology and organized methods to achieve goals quickly and economically. While ancient conquerors used brute force, modern imperialists use "efficient" technology to achieve the same brutal results, making conquest appear rational and justifiable. This efficiency dehumanizes natives, reducing them to mere units of labor.
Does Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness criticize colonialism?
Marlow says, “The conquest of the earth, which mostly means the taking it away from those who have a different complexion or slightly flatter noses than ourselves, is not a pretty thing when you look into it too much.”
Heart of Darkness criticizes colonialism by highlighting the suffering and exploitation inflicted on colonized populations. Conrad portrays the physical horrors of colonialism, such as torture and enslavement, but also suggests that these atrocities are a manifestation of human nature's greed and capacity for evil. Kurtz's madness and final words, "Horror! Horror!", reflect this deeper condemnation of human nature rather than colonialism alone.
How is greed represented in Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness?
In Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, greed is depicted as a core element of the colonial enterprise, driving Europeans to Africa not to civilize but to exploit and amass wealth. This greed erodes their moral values, as seen in Marlow's indifference to his crew's cannibalism, which highlights how Western norms are subverted by colonial greed. The pursuit of riches justifies brutal actions, revealing the dark side of colonialism.
Identify three details showing the futility of the European presence in Africa.
In Heart of Darkness, European futility in Africa is highlighted through several details: the sunken ship at Central Station, which lacks the rivets needed for repair, symbolizes the inefficacy of European efforts. Characters like Kurtz and Marlow experience alienation and moral corruption, showing the lack of beneficial cultural exchange. Additionally, the Eldorado Exploring Expedition's reckless exploitation and the French steamer's ineffective bombardment of the jungle further underscore the fruitlessness of imperialism.
Why do the cannibal crewmen and pilgrims object to Marlow's disposal of the dead helmsman?
The cannibal crewmen object to the disposal of the dead helmsman because they are hungry and had lost their supply of hippopotamus meat. They view the helmsman's body as a potential food source, which Marlow finds abhorrent. The pilgrims, on the other hand, disapprove of the lack of a proper funeral or burial for the helmsman. Marlow’s decision to dump the body into the Congo River satisfies neither group but resolves the situation.
Discuss Africa's image in Heart of Darkness. Is it a racist book as Chinua Achebe claims?
The image of Africa in Heart of Darkness is one of negative character. Marlow describes the people of the region as "savages" and "cannibals," as well as saying the country itself is primitive, trapped in a bygone age. Achebe's statement is valid in that it correctly points out the degrading depiction of Africans in the novel, but one could argue that Conrad's novel is chiefly critiquing European colonialism.
What constitutes "savagery" in Heart of Darkness, and what does it mean to be civilized?
Savagery is a recurrent in theme in this novel. It cuts across time and lives in the hearts of all men, but it particularly resides in European imperialism. Civilization is a more problematic term, but it may exist in the ability of people to reflect on their own savagery.
The themes of imperialism and race in Heart of Darkness
Heart of Darkness explores imperialism and race by highlighting the brutal exploitation and dehumanization of African people by European colonizers. The novel criticizes the greed and moral corruption inherent in imperialism, and it portrays the racial prejudices that justify the colonizers' actions. Conrad uses the journey into the Congo to reveal the darkness within human nature and the destructive impact of colonialism.
Joseph Conrad's depiction of the relationship between Europe and Africa in Heart of Darkness
In Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad depicts the relationship between Europe and Africa as one of exploitation and moral corruption. European colonizers are portrayed as bringing destruction and dehumanization to African lands and people, highlighting the darkness within European imperialism and the profound impact it has on both the colonizers and the colonized.
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