The Symbolism of Darkness in Heart of Darkness

The Symbolism of Darkness in Heart of Darkness

Darkness…What does it mean?

In Joseph Conrad’s novel, Heart of Darkness, the meaning of the word “darkness” changed throughout the story to symbolize different things. Conrad used this term in ways to identify social and intellectual elements in order to help the reader get a feel of his outlook and his own opinions of the world. The two most noticeable interpretations of “darkness” were how it symbolized racism in the world and it also symbolized the enormous impact that an uncivilized world can have on a civilized person.

Symbolism of racism was the first thing that stood out while reading this story. This idea came from the way that Joseph Conrad wrote about the whites, - who were considered “civilized”, and how they treated the blacks – who were considered “uncivilized”, in Africa. During the settlement and colonization of Africa, the whites thought themselves to be superior to any human who was different from their color (i.e. Natives). This is well shown when Marlow described his first impression of Africa, when he saw the “Black shapes crouched…The work was going on…this was the place where some of the helpers had withdrawn to die…they were nothing earthly now, nothing but black shadows of disease and starvation, lying confusedly in the greenish gloom (www.Barron’sBooknotes.com).” These Natives were not “helpers”, but slaves who were forced to work under the order of the white settlers.

Another good ...