This section contains 1,916 words (approx. 7 pages at 300 words per page) |
Post Colonialism in Heart of Darkness
Summary: This essay analyzes Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness and discusses the pervading theme of post-colonialism.
An immense transformation marks Marlow's journey into the heart of the Belgian Congo. As he sits on the Nellie, he is apart from his peers, holding "the pose of a Buddha preaching in European clothes..." Marlow, as an enlightened being, wishes to impart his knowledge of European practices in the Congo upon his peers through his own experiences there, which he describes as "the culminating point of my experience." Marlow, in the fashion of a bodhisattva recounts his story, presenting his peers and the reader with the same problems and difficulties which he himself faced, so that they may also achieve his level of Enlightenment. Though Heart of Darkness often appears imperialistic and racist, these instances are part of Marlow's own path to self discovery. Marlow's experiences and his loyalty to Kurtz encourage those on the Nellie to reject fundamental European ideals of civilization in Africa making this...
This section contains 1,916 words (approx. 7 pages at 300 words per page) |