Exposing Colonialism and Imperialism in Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness

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The Evil of Colonialism Exposed in Heart of Darkness

Marlow was an average European man with average European beliefs. Like most Europeans of his time, Marlow believed in colonialism; that is, until he met Kurtz. Kurtz forces Marlow to rethink his current beliefs after Marlow learns the effects of colonialism deep in the African Congo. In Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, Marlow learns that he has lived his entire life believing in a sugar-coated evil. Marlow's understanding of Kurtz's experiences show him the effects colonialism can have on a man's soul.

In Europe, colonialism was emphasized as a great and noble cause. It was

seen as, the white mans mission to help civilize and improve a savage race.

At the beginning of the book, Marlow talks about the Roman conquest of

Britain and the similar situation to that of Africa. The Romans felt the

British people were savage and looked down on them because they believed

that they had achieved more. I believe Marlow drew this comparison to

ironically show that the Europeans are not as superior...

... middle of paper ...

...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. Hearts of Darkness: The European Exploration of Africa. New York: Carol & Gey, 1992.

Meyers, Jeffrey. Joseph Conrad. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1991.

Patrick Brantlinger, "Heart of Darkness: Anti-Imperialism, Racism, or Impressionism?" Criticism (Fall, 1985) 364.

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