What might the title
represent—the heart of darkness—what is this referring to?
The title Heart of Darkness represents the nature
of evil. It refers to not only the
physical location, which is inside Africa but also a way of thinking and the
consequences of imperialism. The
darkness comes from the nature and the deep jungle of Africa is the heart of
it. The natives or “savages”, their
customs, way of life, and skin color all add to this darkness. Nature proves this darkness and gives the
jungle this “dark” description because of the thick shrubbery and fog that keep
the sunlight out and thus causing the evil and darkness in humans. The title suggests a confused state of mind
or state of madness in which no one can do good but instead choose the lesser of
evils. Heart of Darkness refers to the darkness in nature and the “heart”
of life it brings out in people.
So you're saying that the darkness that shrouds Africa is symbolic of imperialism's shame? When you mention that the natives of Africa "add to this darkness," I get a very — and I may be stepping on another question's toes — racist vibe (through no fault of your own; it's how the book is written). Are the natives of Africa "consequences of imperialism," or do they reap the consequences — good or bad — that imperialism leaves?
ReplyDeleteI love that you say there are no good options, only lesser evils. I wonder if this is always true. Are humans destined to be sinners? Are there no good deeds? I'm not sure anyone can even answer that. Maybe there are neither good nor bad deeds, only unwelcome results. I'm leading myself in circles. This refers back, again, to the "consequences of imperialism" that you started with.