Heart Of Darkness Symbolism

4 Pages 1005 Words

Expressions of symbolism throughout Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness have a significant impact on the depth and insight of the novel. Conrad’s use of contrast between images of light and darkness, and his use of characters and inanimate objects as symbols of European imperialism give the story a greater and deeper meaning than first observed by the reader. The use of characters such as Mr. Kurtz and the manager, to the many symbols of the novel help express the dark side of European imperialism and the innocence of the people of the Congo.
Using Marlow’s narration, the novel begins with the Nellie floating down the River Thames with Marlow and company on board. As Marlow’s story travels to the Congo images of darkness throughout his dialogue become more evident and abundant. The Congo, Mr. Kurtz, and the ignorance of the Europeans towards another cultural group are all symbolized by images of darkness. However, opposing the darkness theme, images of light symbolize London, civilization, and the innocence of the people of the Congo. Marlow, interestingly, describes the white Europeans as having black souls, suggesting an evil nature within, while the “black” natives are described as having white souls, making them appear the more pure and innocent of the two cultures. One example of symbolism using the imagery of light and darkness occurs when Marlow notices a young native boy with a rope of white cotton around his neck. The rope symbolizes the strangling effect caused by the European’s attempting to control and then gain advantage over the innocent people of the Congo, the child representing their innocence.
Upon his arrival to the Inner Station, Marlow meets the manager. A self-centered and arrogant man, the manager is the epitome of the negative effects of imperialism. He operates a disorganized and dire station, interested only in obtaining vast amounts of ivory for his own economic advantage rather than colon...