How Is Foreshadowing Used In Heart Of Darkness Imperialism

Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness is a novella that truly deserves to be remembered for its break from traditional literature along with its historical significance. Heart of Darkness is a prime example of early modernism which sprouted in the late 19th century. Around the start of modernism, many Western writers began questioning the progress of their nations which was primarily due to imperialism. In Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad does quite an effective job of exposing the reality of Imperialism which makes it one of the first significant pieces of modernist literature. While exposing the reality of European Imperialism, Joseph Conrad uses several literary elements such as frame story, foreshadowing, and theme which makes it a novella

Early in the story foreshadowing can be found when Marlow visits the doctor. During Marlow’s appointment, Conrad mentions a hint of foreshadowing as the doctor says “This is my share in the advantages my country shall reap from the possession of such a magnificent dependency” (Conrad 1025). The doctor is initially conducting his own scientific study on how imperialism affects individuals and he views it as a benefit to his country. The use of foreshadowing in this instance allows the reader to infer the negative effects imperialism has on individuals which can even lead to them to “madness”. Another example of foreshadow is found when Marlow says “I foresaw that in the blinding sunshine of that land I would become acquainted with a flabby, pretending, weak-eyed devil of a rapacious and pitiless folly. How insidious he could be, too, I was only to find out several months later and a thousand miles farther” (Conrad 1026). In this instance Marlow is giving a hint foreshadowing of what will happen during his journey. In reference to the “weak-eyed devil” one could infer that Marlow is referring to Kurtz. The overall quote gives a gloomy vibe of what will occur on Marlow’s journey. The use of foreshadowing showed how skilled and creative of an author Conrad