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.

Outlines

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🌑 Ethical Context and Symbolism in 'Heart of Darkness'

This paragraph explores the use of symbolism in Joseph Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness' to establish an ethical framework. It begins with Marlowe's reflection on the historical darkness of England, suggesting a parallel to the European colonial control of Africa. Darkness is presented both literally, in the form of the jungle and river, and metaphorically, as the ignorance and moral decay of the colonizers. The paragraph delves into the metaphoric darkness within Kurtz's heart, symbolized by the decapitated heads, which represent his moral collapse. Ivory is highlighted as a symbol of European greed and the corrupting influence of colonialism, with its whiteness ironically equated with the dark evil of the colonizers.

Keywords

💡Symbolism

Symbolism in literature refers to the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. In the context of 'Heart of Darkness,' it is a key device that creates an ethical context for the work. The darkness symbolizes not only the physical setting but also the moral and psychological depths of the characters, particularly the metaphoric darkness in Kurtz's heart, which represents his moral decay.

💡Darkness

Darkness is a recurring motif in the script, symbolizing both the literal darkness of the African jungle and the waters of the river, as well as the metaphoric darkness of the unknown, difference, and blindness. It is also associated with the moral darkness of the colonizers, as exemplified by Kurtz's depravity and the decapitated heads symbolizing his moral collapse.

💡Human Origins

The concept of human origins is introduced when Marlowe suggests that England was once a 'dark place' before the Roman conquest, implying a primitive state. This idea is paralleled with the European colonial control of Africa, suggesting a regression to a more primitive moral state due to the exploitative nature of colonialism.

💡Metaphoric Darkness

Metaphoric darkness in the script refers to the moral and psychological darkness that is revealed in the characters, particularly Kurtz. It symbolizes the unknown, the difference between cultures, and the blindness of the colonizers to the suffering they cause. The decapitated heads on Kurtz's fence posts are enduring symbols of his moral depravity.

💡Ivory

Ivory symbolizes the greed and color of the Europeans in the novella. It represents the consuming passion that draws them to Africa and has become almost a religion to them. However, ivory is also equated with the dark, evil, and corruption of the white colonialists, as seen in the description of Kurtz's head as 'bald like an ivory ball' and his 'ivory face.'

💡Colonizers

Colonizers in the script represent the European powers that sought to control and exploit Africa for its resources. They symbolize the loss of morality and the darkness of the human heart, as their actions lead to suffering and corruption. Kurtz, as a colonizer, embodies the moral decay and the darkness of the colonizers.

💡Greed

Greed is a central theme in the script, associated with the Europeans' desire for ivory. It is portrayed as a consuming passion that leads to the exploitation and corruption of the colonizers. The word 'ivory' is whispered as if in prayer, highlighting the extent of their obsession.

💡Europeans

Europeans in the script are depicted as the agents of colonialism, driven by greed and a misguided sense of superiority. Their actions in Africa lead to moral decay and corruption, as symbolized by the metaphoric and literal darkness that pervades the narrative.

💡Harlequin

The young Russian man is compared to a Harlequin, a figure from the commedia dell'arte known for its colorful patchwork clothes and often playing the role of a wise fool. In the script, the Harlequin's presence emphasizes the absurdity of the colonial situation and suggests a literary convention where the seemingly naive character may offer unexpected wisdom.

💡Absurdity

Absurdity in the script is used to highlight the irrationality and irrational behavior of the characters, particularly the Europeans in Africa. The comparison of the Russian man to a Harlequin underscores the sense of absurdity, as his presence in the African jungle is out of place and incongruous.

💡Wise Fool

The concept of the 'wise fool' is a literary convention where a character who appears naive or foolish often provides profound insights or wisdom. In the script, the Russian man, likened to a Harlequin, may seem naive but could also represent a perspective that challenges the moral decay and corruption of the colonizers.

Highlights

Symbolism is used extensively in 'Heart of Darkness' to establish an ethical framework for the narrative.

Darkness symbolizes the primitive state of England before Roman conquest, drawing a parallel to European colonial control of Africa.

Marlowe suggests that despite current light and peace, darkness of the past still lingers.

Literal darkness in the jungle and river waters represents the unknown and the metaphoric darkness of suffering and evil.

The metaphoric darkness of the unknown, difference, and blindness is central to the story's themes.

Kurtz's heart reveals the most important metaphoric darkness, symbolized by the decapitated heads on his fence posts.

Kurtz embodies the depravity and lost morality of the colonizers, as symbolized by the heads.

Ivory symbolizes the greed and color of Europeans, becoming an obsession akin to religion.

The whiteness of ivory is equated with the dark, evil, and corruption of white colonialists.

Kurtz's head is described as 'bald like an ivory ball,' linking him to the ivory's symbolism.

Marlow's encounter with a young Russian at the inner station introduces the theme of the wise fool.

The Russian's colorful patchwork clothes and Harlequin-like appearance emphasize the absurdity of the colonial situation.

The Russian's naivety contrasts with the expected wisdom of a 'wise fool' character.

The novella explores the ethical implications of colonialism and the darkness within human nature.

Marlowe's narrative serves as a critique of the European colonial enterprise and its impact on Africa.

The use of symbolism in 'Heart of Darkness' deepens the reader's understanding of the moral complexities of the story.

The novella questions the true value of ivory and the cost of the European pursuit of it in Africa.

The darkness and light in 'Heart of Darkness' represent the struggle between civilization and savagery.

Transcripts

symbolism operates throughout heart of

darkness to create an ethical context

for the work darkness as a symbol of

human origins opens the novella when

Marlowe's on the yacht on the Thames he

says an England also has been one of the

dark places on earth he means that the

land and its peoples were primitive

before the Roman conquest a parallel to

European colonial control of Africa

light and peace is here now Marlow

implies but darkness was here yesterday

there is literal darkness in the jungle

and the waters of the river but he also

says that the suffering of the

indigenous people and the evil in the

hearts of the company agents is a

metaphoric darkness a darkness of the

unknown of difference and of blindness

the most important metaphoric darkness

is that revealed in Kurtz's heart and

symbolized by the decapitated heads of

native men displayed like decorative

knobs on his fence posts these headstand

is enduring symbols of Kurtz's depravity

and so Kurtz himself symbolizes the

darkness of the colonizers lost morality

ivorie symbolizes the greed and color of

the Europeans

it's a consuming passion for them the

lure that draws them to Africa it has

become like a religion to them the word

ivory rang in the air Marlow says when

he's at the outer station it was

whispered aside you would think they

were praying to it ivory which is white

is the one thing of value that the

Europeans of this novella find in Africa

but ivory is also equated with the dark

evil and corruption of white

colonialists Kurtz's head is described

as bald like an ivory ball at his death

Marlow notes his ivory face when Marlow

arrives the inner station he's greeted

by a young Russian man dressed in

colorful patchwork clothes

the young man looks as if he's escaped

from a troupe of mimes Marlow compares

him to a Harlequin something that

doesn't fit in the African jungle the

Harlequins presence emphasizes the

absurdity of the situation and suggests

another literary convention the wise

fool

although the Russian seems more naive

than wise