The superficial themes of the novel are imperialism and cruelty of the European powers. However, the theme of
the lack of truth lies
at the heart of the text. All the European powers engaged in Africa are occupying their land and plundering resources while propagating it as a civilizing mission.
What is the overall meaning of Heart of Darkness?
The Hypocrisy of Imperialism
Heart of Darkness
explores the issues surrounding imperialism in complicated ways
. As Marlow travels from the Outer Station to the Central Station and finally up the river to the Inner Station, he encounters scenes of torture, cruelty, and near-slavery.
What is the main theme of Heart of Darkness?
Overview. The main themes of Heart of Darkness include
darkness, alienation and loneliness, and chaos and order
. Darkness: Marlow sees “darkness” in the practices of imperialism, though the book maintains the racist implication that it is the uncivilized land and people that led to Europeans’ corruption.
What is the lesson of Heart of Darkness?
The novella, Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad has
a strong theme of morality
. Conrad’s goal using morality is moral confusion. The main character Charlie Marlow sets out on a journey with the European Ivory Trade to Africa. During this journey he discovers a dark dilemma of moral ethics.
What does Kurtz symbolize?
Kurtz, one of the leading characters, the other being Marlow, the narrator of the soty, represents many symbols in the novel. Firstly, he symbolizes
the greed and the commercial mentality of the white people of the western countries
. Secondly, he symbolizes the white man’s love of power.
What does light symbolize in Heart of Darkness?
In Heart of Darkness, Conrad uses light and dark to symbolize good and evil, respectively. … It appears that light represents
the civilized
, and dark represents the uncivilized, but truly, white is evil, and the dark is innocent and virtuous.
Why does Kurtz say the horror?
What do Kurtz’s last words mean? Kurtz’s last words—“The horror! … More likely, these words
reflect Kurtz’s failure to achieve his many lofty goals and fulfill his destiny
, and he cannot help but utter in despair as the emptiness of his own life envelopes him.
Why is it called the Heart of Darkness?
The phrase ‘Heart of Darkness’ refers to the inmost region of Africa (which was in those times still in the process of being explored) and the black people who still led primitive lives. The title is appropriate for the novel
because Marlow has described his experiences of the Congo and people of Congo
.
Who is the main character in Heart of Darkness?
Marlow
. The protagonist of Heart of Darkness.
What is imperialism in Heart of Darkness?
Imperialism means
the period of colonization of African and Asian countries by European states
, the USA and Japan in the 19th century, on the other hand it means an idea that was disseminated since the beginning of the modern times around the 16th century.
What does Marlow symbolize in Heart of Darkness?
So the incursion into the heart of darkness also means
a descent by Marlow into the depths of his own soul
. As Marlow stands for Conrad himself so the novel also becomes a kind of the exploration of Conrad’s own mind during his visit to Congo.
Why is Kurtz important in Heart of Darkness?
Kurtz is a
dangerous man because he gives the lie to the Company’s “humanistic” intentions in the Congo
. He returns more ivory than all the other stations put together, and does so through the use of absolute force.
Is Kurtz good or bad?
The primary antagonist in Heart of Darkness is Kurtz, whose descent into madness makes him the clearest embodiment of corruption and evil in the novella, and ultimately the character that fully disillusions Marlow in regard to European conquests. Marlow learns more about Kurtz the further he travels. …
What was Kurtz tragic flaw?
Once removed from civilization, Kurtz becomes increasingly corrupted because of the opportunity to satiate his every desire in the jungle. Eventually, Kurtz becomes so corrupted that
he goes insane
and lets his greed overwhelm him. His unrestrained power, desire, and pride lead to his tragic downfall.
Who is with Kurtz when he dies?
In his dying words as in his life, though, Kurtz creates an enigma, an object for contemplation, which certainly is something. His legacy, in fact, would seem to be
Marlow
, who, like the Russian trader, seems to have had his mind “enlarged” by Kurtz.
What is the symbolic meaning of darkness?
Darkness is a
symbol of evil or mystery or fear
. The darkness is almost a monster waiting to swallow you whole. It is the absence of light. The emotional response to an absence of light has inspired metaphor in literature, symbolism in art, and emphasis. …
