The Evils of Colonialism and Racism During The Victorian Era

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When you hear of the Victorian Era, what crosses your mind? One of your first thoughts is probably of Queen Victoria herself, one of the longest ruling monarchs in the history of England. You might also think of the architecture and houses that became popular in that era. You might believe, like many, that the Victorian Era was one of progress and improvements. This is true. Many advances were made during the Victorian Era. For example, between 1809 and 1839, exports grew from £25.4 to £76 million . Great Britain also made advances in communication, using the steamship, railway, and electric telegraph. James Watt and Matthew Boulton improved Britain’s core industries by using steam power in coal mining. The First and Second Reform Acts enabled all men in the country to vote, and this eventually led to women voting in 1918. The first illustrated weekly newspaper was founded in 1842, allowing the working class to stay informed on the news . The list of the improvements that came about during the Victorian era goes on and on.
Despite the advances in Britain’s economy, the souls of the people were not similarly enhanced. While the Victorian Era was one of progress, there was much evil and cruelty as well. The Victorian weaknesses were especially noted by Joseph Conrad, who lived during this era. He knew from first-hand experience the evils of colonialism and racism. He was able to see the hollowness of civilization in the world, and he viewed that hollowness as a great evil. This became the theme of his book, Heart of Darkness. Conrad demonstrated the hollowness of man in the descriptions, actions, and thoughts of his characters.
Character descriptions are important to readers. A reader must understand what characters like and disli...

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...pearances and on gaining as much wealth as possible. Meanwhile, they are hiding a dark, hollow soul. But, “what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul”? Conrad was right in drawing attention to this hollowness, but he was unable to provide a remedy to the problem. In Christ, we are given that remedy. The only way to fill the hollowness within us is to let Christ fill us with Him. Only then can a hollow soul live a fulfilled life.

Works Cited

1. LitCharts Editors. "LitChart on Heart of Darkness." LitCharts.com. LitCharts LLC. 2014. Web. 9 Mar. 2014.
2. Conrad, Joseph. “Heart of Darkness.” Oxford University Press, New York. 2008.
3. “King James Study Bible.” Thomas Nelson, Inc. Liberty University. 1988.
4. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/victorians/victorian_technology_01.shtml
5. http://listsoplenty.com/blog/?p=12243

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