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Heart of Darkness [Novella] by Joseph Conrad

Hello Readers,

Here I'm sharing another favourite text which I've learned in BA.
'Heart of Darkness' is the novella by Joseph Conrad.


◆ About Author :- 

 'Heart of Darkness' is a novella written by Joseph Conrad- who was a polish-British writer. To know more about author...Click here...

◆ Introduction :-

 "Heart of Darkness" - this novella is originally published in 'Blackwood's Magazine' in a 3 parts serial story. This novella is variously published.

This novella is about African black people who treated as slave by white people for work. This is a story of two main characters named Kurtz and Marlow. Kurtz is a godly figure for black people and Marlow came to Kurtz after hearing much about him & his nature.

◆ Heart of Darkness :- 

 "Heart of Darkness" explores the issues surrounding Imperialism in complicated way.

 As Marlow travels from the other station to the Central station and finally up the river to the Inner station. He encounters scenes of torture, cruelty &  slavery. At the very least, the incidental scenery of the book offers a harsh picture of Colonial enterprize. The impetus behind Marlow's adventures too, has to do with the hypocrisy inherent in the rhetoric used to justify Imperialism. The men who work for the company describe what they do as - "trade" & their treatment of native Africans is a part of a benevolent project of ''civilization" Kurtz. On the other hand is open about the fact that he doesn't trade but rather takes ivary by force, & he describes his own treatment of the natives with the words 'suppression' & 'extermination' : he doesn't hide the fact that he rules through violence & intimidation. His perverse honesty leads to his downfall, as his success threatens to expose the evil practices behind European activity in Africa.

However, for Marlow as much as Kurtz or for the company. Africans in this book are mostly objects. Marlow refers to his helmsman as a piece of machinery and Kurtz's African mistress is at best a piece of statutory.

Madness is closely linked to Imperialism in this book.

Africa is responsible for mental disintigration as well as physical illness. Madness has 2 primary functions, 1st , it serves as an ironic device to engage the reader's sympathies. Kurtz , Marlow is told from the beginning is mad. However, as Marlow , and the reader, begin to form a more complete picture of Kurtz. It becomes that his madness is only relative, is difficult to define.

◆ Conclusion :- 

  This novella is unusual that the author does not name most of the characters in his book, other than assigning then titles that describe their larger organizational goals. It's not quite an allegory while he does allow then some individual characteristics of speech and dress, but they are for the most part standing for larger groups.

Thank you.
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