The Contempt of RealizationAn analysis of Heart of Darkness and its Author
...n questioning the legitimacy and credibility of the monarchies imperialistic and rapacious nature during that time period. It seems that Conrad’s epiphanic tone, apparent in the excerpt from his letters, is a consequence of his experiences with both the British Merchant Navy, and his expedition to the Congo. Expressions such as “The scales are falling off my eyes” lead the reader to believe that he is gradually becoming more apparent of the inhumanities being carried out in Congo, justified by the imperialistic motives of England. Marlow expresses a similar point of view, when he comments on the painting by Kurtz portraying blindfolded women with a lantern, in the brick layer’s room, at the Central Station. Although trivial when being recounted by Marlow, it serves as a parallel between the novella and the letter, as in both cases we see Conrad referring to the imperial conquests as a blind endeavour, and inhumane. Another interesting line found in his letters is, “My fortitude is shaken by the view of the monster.” Although the notion of an abstract monster is not directly stated in the novella, one could argue that it’s implication is still prevalent, as it could serve as the justification for both Marlow’s superciliousness toward imperialism, and Kurtz’s insanity, in which the monster, could serve as the concept of imperialism itself or it’s widespread belief. The very conceptual basis of losing one’s fortitude of thought, implies that Conrad himself is becoming doubtful which is a prevalent and ubiquitous theme during the book for both Marlow and Kurtz in a very interconnected way. Essentially, although Marlow attempts to present himself as a strong willed man, he remains uncertain in his loyalty to his race, and whether or not there are any truly valid and morally acceptable justifications for imperialistic conquests, along with the fact of whether or not Kurtz is truly at thought for the native people, or just another common European looking for spoils and the cost of African lives. Similarly, Kurtz is also in a state of ambiguity as there is evidence of a constant battle between his thoughts and actions as he preaches to set-up posts and educate the natives to leading better lives, but continues his duties with savage slaughtering and thievery. In either case, the uncertainty of both the main characters is arguably directly influenced by Conrad’s own personal hesitation. In addition, the latter half of the excerpt is indeed much more ambiguous as it deals with Conrad’s experience with living with this supposed monster, and the darkness of the world around him. His description of being surrounded by perpendicular walls made of basalt, volcanic rock, could possibly imply or allude to his crestfallen spirit and not being able to climb out of this metaphoric hole he has found himself in, after gradually realizing the nature of his colleagues and imperialism. This slow and gradual transition to the loss of sanity is very similar to that of Kurtz and his attempts to make sense of his environment. Interesting enough, it seems that both Marlow and Kurtz represent different parts of Conrad, as at times it seems that many of his views can be reflected on both characters. In a whole, it is palpable that Conrad had some profound psychological struggles, and could not fully comprehend the effect of his involvement in imperialism. In Heart of Darkness, we are encountered with a deteriorating Marlow, who just like Kurtz, seems to loose all faith in the claims made to justify the European actions. Marlow’s continuing journey serves as a means of realization, and directly relates to Conrad’s “The scales are falling of my eyes”. Throughout the novella, he finds his views and loyalty threatened and must either accept its truth or deter his a...