Hypocrisy Of Imperialism Essay

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In the novella Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad’s arguments over the hypocrisy of imperialism are completely valid. He seems to express a powerful condemnation for the hypocritical operations of imperialism - and rightfully so, due to the dehumanizing results that it renders.
“Imperialism occurs when a strong nation takes over a weaker nation or region and dominates its economic, political, or cultural life,” Thomas Caswell writes in Source B. Some common, recurring themes in Conrad’s book include torture, cruelty, and near-slavery. These sceneries offer a harsh view of imperialism and what it really is. The events in the book are sharply juxtaposed with Caswell’s definition of imperialism. Later in Source B Caswell adds, “...imperialism was a very profitable foreign policy... at the expense of the foreign regions where it was being practiced.” Conrad provides us with a clear view of imperialism, as well as two differing sides - or views - to the story. The purpose of “true” imperialism is to increase social efficiency, and this is the guise many in Conrad’s novella …show more content…

For example, in Source D, one such theory is labeled as the Political Theory of imperialism. It is written that “Imperialism is simply a manifestation of the balance in power and is the process by which nations try to achieve a favorable change in the status quo. The purpose of imperialism is to decrease the strategic and political vulnerability of a nation.” This definition easily parallels the explanations in Heart of Darkness where the Company workers attempt to put a lighter spin on their words (Again, they claim the work is “trade”; their treatment, a “civilization” project”). However, it defines something starkly different from what Kurtz says; it portrays imperialism in a positive light. Some people may agree with this theory, and as a result will believe that Conrad’s arguments are

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