Charles Marlow: Narrating the Darkness

In Joseph Conrad's novella, the Heart of Darkness (1899), Conrad effectively presents the character of Charles Marlow through the heavy usage of Marlow's personal narration throughout the novella. By using such a method of presentation, Conrad presents to the reader Marlow's character, most important of which, his hypocrisy throughout his expedition through Africa. Marlow’s change from an idealistic European seeking work into one who has seen the “heart of darkness” is illustrated well by using him as the principal narrator, guiding the reader through his descent into madness due his sensitivity to the “darkness”.

Charles Marlow is introduced to the reader by an unnamed narrator, one of five men aboard the Nellie. Of note, he alone is given a physical description by the narrator, of “sunken cheeks” and “yellow complexion”, clearly someone who has experienced suffering, even evident in this short description. His physical appearance is not well, and the reader can infer that Marlow’s mental state is not much better, an implication that is soon confirmed by the novel. Shortly after being introduced, Marlow begins his tale, of how he sailed to Africa, comparing it to how the Romans may have felt when they went to the then uncivilized lands of modern London. He retells his experiences there as a member of the “noble” Company. In doing so, Marlow’s personality is described in great detail, more than the words themselves reveal. Conrad’s choice of using a frame narrative allows the reader to see Marlow’s perspective of events, and give a notable change in tone as the novella progresses.

As he enters his story, Marlow tells the fate of his predecessor, a Dane named Fresleven, who “...went ashore and started to hammer the chief of ...

... middle of paper ...

...searching for truth.

As the narrator for the majority of Heart of Darkness, Marlow is recounting his experiences, and reliving his most horrible moments. As the Nellie sails down the Thames into the dark emptiness, Marlow can only see the same, none of the light and brightness means anything. Conrad’s choice of making Marlow the principal narrator telling his own story is an effective way of conveying his message to the reader. The reader will notice Marlow’s descent to madness, his conversations with others being the points of descent, and his thoughts being the indicators. Ultimately, Marlow’s tale makes it apparent that the idealism of anyone, regardless of how intelligent, educated or civilized, cannot survive in the all-consuming heart of darkness.

Works Cited

Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness and The Secret Sharer. New York: Signet Classics, 1997. Print.