Characters, Setting, Themes, and Symbols of Heart of Darkness

1238 Words3 Pages

Characters, Setting, Themes, and Symbols of Heart of Darkness

Deep within the chest of every man, woman, and child beats the heart of darkness. On the surface, mankind has achieved a sophisticated level of civilization. Joseph Conrad forces the reader to peel away the pristine layer of sweetness and see the unaltered truth. Heart of Darkness reveals the true nature that lurks behind every smile, handshake, and conversation. Conrad's portrayal of the characters, setting, symbols, and ironies allow the reader to reflect on the true nature of man.

Each of the main characters in Heart of Darkness plays a significant role in the overall theme of the novel. The central character is a thirty two year old sailor, Charlie Marlow. He is a dynamic character who essentially controls the development of the theme. Through Marlow's experiences and revelations, the author illustrates how forces of light and darkness serve to weave the human soul together; thus, essentially how good and evil are reflected in an individual. Marlow's journey leads him in an urgent search for Kurtz, the one man who can...

... middle of paper ...

...art lies the raw evil of untamed lifestyle" (Heart of Darkness: A systematic evaluation).

Works Cited

"The Congo" Created December 07, 1997 (Accessed 12 February 2002).

Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness. New York: Penguin Books, 1983.

"The Fear" Created December 07, 1997 (Accessed 12 February 2002).

"Heart of Darkness: A systematic evaluation of the darkness inherent in men's souls" "The Perfect Native" Created December 07, 1997 (Accessed 12 February 2002).

"The Setting" Created December 07, 1997 (Accessed 12 February 2002).

Open Document