Heart Of Darkness Quotes

2 Pages 435 Words

“The dreams of men, the seed of commonwealths, the germs of empires” (Page 2). This quote was said by Marlow. This quote exposes in a small part Marlow’s attitude towards many subjects. Looking at it in its context he is saying basically that empires are bad and unhealthy. Germs are commonly referred to as a sickness, an outside factor harming the host. Such is this that empires are the sickness that will be harming the continent of Africa. This small exposition of his character can go to affect many aspects of his attitude. His job as an explorer and profiteer requires that he at least in some part takes part in this empire. This could have serious affects on his mental well being knowing that he is taking part to support this disease of empire.

“It was just robbery with violence, aggravated murder on a great scale, and men going at it blind-as is very proper for those who tackle a darkness” (Page 4). This quote was also spoken by Marlow. It deals with the term “darkness”, this can go to show many things in terms of the subject. First, the darkness could go to refer to the unknown, the unexplored, and the wild. The unknown that explorers must face on their journeys. Second, it could go to define the very inhabitants, the heathens that are native to the land. The fact that it is proper to deal with the darkness with the very savagery they are trying to expel from the lands. Third, he says that they are more or less going at it blind, which could lead to many relations problems. It could lead to problems through them having little knowledge of what do to and furthermore having no regard for what they are doing.

“And, moreover, the changes take place inside, you know” (Page 9). This was said by the doctor that was giving Marlow a physical. To me this quote means that the being immersed in a land with few rules and much chaos that much of that could go to your head and change you. This is suppo...