European Imperialism in Africa: A Critique through Conrad's Lens

Joseph Conrad uses his novella Heart of Darkness to critique the consequences of European imperialism in Africa. Conrad himself was a sailor for over twenty years and saw the sights of the Congo firsthand in his experiences. He observed the exploitation and mistreatment of the natives by the Europeans and was appalled. He uses his writings to criticize this practice and expose the harsh realities caused by European nations such as Belgium colonizing in Africa during the 19th century. Conrad also comments on race and gender in his writing. With the words and phrases that he uses, the reader begins to understand the European countries and the African countries as two separate worlds. Africa becomes synonymous as a place of bestiality and savagery

Marlow sympathizes with the natives when he sees the violence and physical torture they endure at the hand of the Europeans. The colonizers seem merciless shown by Conrad’s writing, “I 've seen the devil of violence, and the devil of greed…” One of the ways that the Europeans rationalize their inhumane treatment of the natives was to dehumanize them by describing the Africans as “shadows” or “shapes.” Additionally, Kurtz is more than just a cruel abuser, but his character is also developed into a hypnotizing story teller, an academic, and an empowering orator. Marlow describes him saying,”…Kurtz was a remarkable man. He had something to say.” Although Marlow does show this admiration for Kurtz, he is still critical about Kurtz’s treatment over the native Africans and thinks his violence is unnecessary. In the novella, Kurtz is the symbol of European colonialism because his approach to keeping order and producing profits are brutal. This cruelty is symbolized in the heads of the rebels placed on spikes surrounding Kurtz’s cabin. Marlow disrespects Kurtz for abusing the natives rather than educating and civilizing them as they were supposed