Dual Narration in Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness

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Recommended: A critical analysis of Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

Dual Narration in Heart of Darkness

Joseph Conrads novella Heart of Darkness not only dwells on interesting and thought provoking issues that relate to society today, it is also told in an interesting manner in the form of a "story within a story". This serves not only to show increased levels of mental development from all parties involved, that is Marlow, the frame narrator and the reader - but distances Conrad from the text in such a way that he can promote revolutionary issues without necessarilty being attached to them. The character of Marlow does just this - he is far from neutral and is employed by Conrad to position the reader by offering a double-dose of psychological development from Marlow, and the framed narrator. Perhaps the best way to comprehend Marlow's involvement is through an understanding of his journey through the four thematic stages of his travels. These are the darkness of the river which surrounds him (the Thames), the darkness within Kurtz, and with the city of Brussels, the impeniterable darkness within the Congo, and the darkness present within each individual. Through these aspects of the novella can we as readers comprehend the true value of Marlows character.

Initially, Marlow and his audience find themselves within the picturesque setting of the river thames in London. The frame narrators description of such a scene (paralleled to his final description) offer some of the only comment he gives throughout the novel. This is especially important for we as readersare able to comprehend his psychological journey (if not the other men in the boat) forwards, an enlightened state similar of that to Marlow. A "buddah preaching in European clothes". Most noteable however is the phenomin...

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...rlow, and the frame narrators position as commentator, their journies - both physical and psychological, position the reader to such an extent that possibilities become infinitely clearer. The darkness evident initially, including the overpowered Kurtz and the gloom encompassing the stark nature of man underneath "ornaments" and "rags" are all portrayed in such scenes by the narrators. Futhermore Conrad envisages the reader being successfully positioned - recognising their own true heart of darkness - and that of the materialistic, possession driven "civilisation" they live in.

Bibliography

Conrad, J. (1995). Heart of Darkness. London: Penguin Group.

Kingsley, Widmer. Dictionary of Literary Biography: British Novelists 1890-1929. Tulsa: 1984

Hayes, Dorsha. "Heart of Darkness": An Aspect of the Shadow," Spring (1956)

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