Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad | Symbols

Summary

In 'Heart of Darkness,' symbolism weaves an ethical tapestry, with darkness representing both the literal and metaphorical. Marlowe's journey begins in England, a once dark land, and leads to the African jungle, a symbol of the unknown and colonial evil. The novella uses ivory as a symbol of European greed and corruption, embodied in Kurtz's degenerate actions and appearance. The Russian's Harlequin-like presence highlights the absurdity and the wise fool convention, emphasizing the moral decay of the colonizers.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Symbolism of Darkness: The script discusses how 'darkness' is used as a symbol for human origins, primitive past, and metaphoric darkness representing the unknown, difference, and moral blindness.
• 🛳️ Marlowe's Perspective: Marlow views the Thames as a symbol of England's past darkness, suggesting a parallel to Africa's current state under European colonial control.
• 🏙️ Historical Context: The script implies that before the Roman conquest, England was a 'dark place,' much like Africa is under colonial rule.
• 🌳 Literal Darkness: The literal darkness of the jungle and river waters is contrasted with the metaphoric darkness of suffering and evil.
• 💀 Kurtz's Depravity: Kurtz's heart is revealed as the epitome of metaphoric darkness, symbolized by the decapitated heads displayed around his compound.
• 🐘 Ivory as Greed: Ivory represents the Europeans' greed and the corrupting influence it has on them, becoming akin to a religion.
• 🗣️ Marlow's Irony: Marlow notes the irony of the Europeans' reverence for ivory, which is white yet associated with their dark, evil actions.
• 🎭 The Russian's Role: The young Russian man's colorful attire and naivety emphasize the absurdity of the colonial situation and his potential role as a 'wise fool'.
• 🎨 Symbolic Contrast: The Russian's appearance, likened to a Harlequin, highlights the stark contrast between the European and African settings.
• 🌑 Moral Decay: Kurtz's transformation is a symbol of the moral decay that can occur when colonizers lose their sense of humanity and morality in the pursuit of power and wealth.
• 🌿 The Jungle's Influence: The script suggests that the African jungle, while a literal dark place, also serves as a metaphor for the darkness that can consume those who venture into it.

Q & A

What is the significance of the symbol 'darkness' in 'Heart of Darkness'?

In 'Heart of Darkness,' darkness symbolizes the unknown, human origins, and the moral degradation of the colonizers. It is used to represent both the literal darkness of the African jungle and the metaphoric darkness of the hearts of men, particularly Kurtz, who has succumbed to the corrupting influence of power and greed.

How does Marlowe describe the land and its people before the Roman conquest in the novella?

Marlowe describes the land and its people as 'primitive' before the Roman conquest, suggesting that they were one of the 'dark places on earth,' which implies a state of uncivilization and ignorance.

What does Marlowe imply when he says 'an England also has been one of the dark places on earth'?

Marlowe implies that just as England was once considered a dark, uncivilized place, so too is Africa currently viewed by the colonizers. This statement draws a parallel between past European colonialism and present-day European control of Africa.

What is the literal darkness in the novella?

The literal darkness in the novella is found in the physical environment of the African jungle and the waters of the river, which are described as being dark and foreboding.

How is the metaphoric darkness related to the suffering of the indigenous people and the evil in the company agents?

The metaphoric darkness is related to the suffering of the indigenous people and the evil in the company agents as it represents the ignorance, prejudice, and moral corruption that the colonizers bring with them, causing harm and exploitation to the native people.

What does the decapitated heads of native men symbolize in Kurtz's compound?

The decapitated heads of native men symbolize Kurtz's depravity and the extreme measures he has taken in his descent into madness and immorality. They serve as enduring symbols of the darkness of the colonizers' lost morality.

What is the symbolic meaning of ivory in 'Heart of Darkness'?

Ivory symbolizes the greed and color of the Europeans, representing their consuming passion for wealth and power in Africa. It is equated with the dark, evil, and corruption of the white colonialists, as it becomes an obsession that leads them to commit atrocities.

How is the Russian man's appearance described, and what does it suggest about the situation?

The Russian man is described as being dressed in colorful patchwork clothes, resembling a Harlequin. This appearance suggests the absurdity of the situation and highlights the theme of the wise fool, as the Russian appears more naive than wise.

What does the word 'ivory' represent to the Europeans in the novella?

To the Europeans in the novella, the word 'ivory' represents a valuable commodity and a driving force behind their colonization of Africa. It is described as being whispered with reverence, almost like a religion, indicating the extent of their obsession with it.

How is Kurtz's head described at his death, and what does this symbolize?

Kurtz's head is described as 'bald like an ivory ball' at his death, symbolizing the culmination of his transformation into a figure of greed and corruption, embodying the dark side of the European colonialists.

What literary convention is suggested by the presence of the young Russian man in the African jungle?

The presence of the young Russian man in the African jungle suggests the literary convention of the 'wise fool.' Despite his naive appearance, his character may offer deeper insights into the absurdity and moral complexities of the colonial situation.