Ambiguities Explored in Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness Essays

Ambiguities Explored in means of Darkness Literature is never interpreted in exactly the same way by ii different readers. A prime example of a work of literary works that is very ambiguous is Joseph Conrads, Heart of Darkness. The Ambiguities that exist in this handwriting are Marlows relationship to colonialism, Marlows changing feelings toward Kurtz, and Marlows lie to the Int lay offed at the end of the story. One interpretation of Marlows relationship to colonialism is that he does non support it. Conrad writes, They were not enemies, they were not criminals, they were nothing earthly now,-nothing alone black shadows of disease and starvation, double-dealing confusedly in the greenish gloom (p. 27-28). Marlow says this and is stressing that the so-called savages, or Africans, are being treated and punished like they are criminals or enemies when in fact they never did anything. He observes the slow torture of these people and is gross out with it. Marlow feels benignity for the black people being slaved around by the Europeans but doesnt do anything to change it because that is the way things are. One can see the sympathy by the way that he gives a starving black worldly concern one of his biscuits. To tear treasure out of the bowels of the land was their desire, with no moralistic purpose at the back of it than there is in burglars breaking into a safe (p. 54). This statement by Marlow conveys that he doesnt believe that the Europeans have a right to be stripping Africa of its riches. He views the Jungles of Africa as almost its witness living, breathing monster. It is evident that Marlow is one of the few white men on the journey that questions the belief at the time that the natives of Africa are inhu... ...ch open up the readers mind. Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness, raises many questions about society and the human capability for evil. Works Cited and Consulted Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness 3rd Ed. Ed. Robert Kimbrough. New York Norton Critical, 1988. Edward W. Said, The World, the Text, and the Critic. (Cambridge, Massachusetts Harvard University Press, 1983) 13. Hillman, James. Notes on White Supremacy Essaying an Archetypal Account of Historical Events, Spring (1986) 29-57. McLynn, Frank. wagon of Darkness The European Exploration of Africa. New York Carol & Gey, 1992. Meyers, Jeffrey. Joseph Conrad. New York Charles Scribners Sons, 1991. Patrick Brantlinger, Heart of Darkness Anti-Imperialism, Racism, or Impressionism? Criticism (Fall, 1985) 364.