Symbolism In Joseph Conrads Heart Of Darkness - 805 Words

Joseph Conrad’s novella, Heart of Darkness, contains many symbols that connect to themes within it. Heart of Darkness incorporates the symbols of light and dark to develop the idea that society and characters, like Kurtz, contribute to the darkness of their society. Conrad’s different observations of the effect that nature can have on the characters and society within the novel, primarily focus on how something light and desirable can prove to bring out the ugliest aspects of humanity or cause significant discomfort. Conrad also demonstrates this with the corruption of his character Kurtz, an initially philanthropic and talented company employee who has a twisted lust for ivory and who commits horrible acts in it’s pursuit. Conrad shows†¦show more content†¦Marlow’s response is that, â€Å"Sunlight can made to be lie† (Conrad 58). Marlow does not completely want to tell the intended that Kurtz was an awful man, but does explain through the symbol of sunlight, he is referring to Kurtz’s outside persona as the sunlight. His meaning of the â€Å"sunlight can be made to lie† means that even though his fiance thought he was a great person, there was always a hidden darkness inside of Kurtz. Kurtz having the darkness inside him contributes to the idea that the society of Heart of Darkness is dark due to the corruption it’s people face from their environment. The society depicted by conrad uses different symbols of light and darkness in Heart of Darkness to show the hollow nature of the society the protagonist encounters throughout the novel. While the narrator is sailing upstream early in the novella, Conrad writes â€Å"When the sun rose there was a white fog very warm and clammy, and more blinding than the night† (Conrad 65). This quotation compares the white fog to an illusion of some sort. The fog, from a distance, likely seems very aesthetically pleasing and is most importantly for our purposes entirely white. Conrad uses this white fog as a traditional symbol of the good in society since white is a symbol of purity. The fact that the fog has an smothered the dark night shows that how even something that outwardly seems pure and light can have a treacherous, harmful aspect to it when one ventures within. This is largely symbolic ofShow MoreRelatedSymbolism Of The River In Joseph Conrads Heart Of Darkness1091 Words   |  5 PagesCharles Marlow in the novella Heart of Darkness written by Joseph Conrad. Heart of Darkness is read from the narration of Marlow, an ivory transporter who travels down the Congo. Throughout his journey, Marlow develops an intense interest in the famous ivory trader Kurtz, who is portrayed as a powerful, sage, and evil man. The story is based on Marlows experiences with the encounters hes faced with and his ability to be fickle based in these encounterments. In Heart of Darkness, we see Conrad use the riverRead MoreContradicting Symbolism in Joseph Conrads quot;Heart of Darknessquot;915 Words   |  4 Pages Joseph Conrad utilizes several important literary techniques throughout his story Heart of Darkness. One predominant method of his storytelling is the use of contrasting sensory imagery between black and white and altering the symbolism the colors entail. This theme is clearly prevalent when we read of Marlows childhood dreams and when comparing and contrasting t he Africans, the Europeans, and the corruption of the ivory trade. 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The reversed meanings amongst the colors and entangled description in Heart of Darkness shows how backwards civilization is through the need to enlighte n or civilize the natives is flamboyantly flaunted in both theRead MoreCorruption Of Imperialism In Joseph Conrads Heart Of Darkness1473 Words   |  6 Pagessome individuals may maintain their integrity in corrupt situations, and therefore not become corrupt themselves. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad relates to both the idea that an individual can become corrupt in a corrupt environment, and that some individuals can uphold their integrity in a corrupt situation. Both of these reactions can be seen in the main characters of Heart of Darkness, Kurtz and Marlow, in Kurtz’ becoming corrupt due to imperialism in the Congo, while still upholding some integrityRead MoreImagery, Symbolism and Motif in Heart of Darkness1053 Words   |  5 PagesIn this extract taken from the Novella, Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad explores many elements. Conrad uses a framing narrative; Marlow’s narrative is framed by another narrative, in which the reader listens to Marlow’s s tory told through one of those listening. The narrator remains unnamed as do the other listeners. The narration is told in the first-person plural, letting the reader know what each of the four listeners are thinking and feeling. It could be interpreted that the anonymity of theRead MoreEssay Symbolism In Heart Of Darkness1077 Words   |  5 Pages Submitting to Symbolism nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Every great author posses the ability to create a novel deeply woven in symbolism and subliminal messages. Underneath the literal journey encountered in Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness lies a tale saturated with subtle, yet, significant imagery that brings forth the true meaning of the novella. Throughout Heart of Darkness Conrad uses a plethora of simple colors, objects, and places to convey multifaceted images and ideas. His fine execution