This quote can be looked at in so many different ways. Colonialism is the main concern in this passage. Marlow viewed colonialism as evil, destructive, greedy, and degrading, which is clearly shown in this line. Colonialism and its effects on those involved is part of the main theme in Heart of Darkness. Marlow's views are carried throughout the novel as shown in his disapproval of the 'improvements' made on the road and Kurtz's treatment of the natives, especially concerning the heads on the poles. While Kurtz and his followers did not think or seem of care about their actions and the effect that they had on those around them, Marlow was able to look past the bribe of fortune and fame to see the horrible outcome of their actions. (Which may be why Marlow seems to show more respect for the cannibals aboard his ship, or why they seem to respect him more than the other characters met along their journey.)
The use of the word darkness also can have a double meaning. When first reading through this, darkness seems to represent the unknown world within the Congo, the people and the wilderness within, but upon further inspection it means so much more. The darkness that they are tackling does not only refer to the uncivilized world around them, but also to the darkness within themselves. The darkness that is within all humans is one that most people do not take much note of. It lurks in all of us, and even if we refuse to recognize its presence it still there, just waiting to reveal itself. In other words, this darkness that they are tackling is themselves. The crimes that they commit are being driven from the anger and wildness within and their actions are a result as they try to overcome, or give into, this new terror from within.
Blindness is also a common motif in Heart of Darkness. Blindness keeps people from seeing what is really there. Here, it is keeping the people from seeing the true cause and result of their actions. Blindness, in this novel, is chosen over sight. The characters choose not to see the truth in front of them but to cover it up and pretend it is not there. They refuse to see what they are becoming just for the chance of getting their hands on a small fortune.
The scary thing is that this happens to people today. Many people are on that 'every man for himself' mode and do not care about how their actions are clouding their vision and hurting those around them. I found this book to be a difficult read at first. With the page and a half long paragraphs and dense commentary, it was hard to understand in the first read through. The second time we read it is when i really understood and enjoyed it. This book really showed what can happen if we let fame and fortune get into out heads, and let the evil overtake our common sense. This is by far one of my favorite books that we have read thus far and i really believe that everyone would benefit from reading it.
2 comments:
You may be the first student to utter the phrase "I really liked this book" in connection to Heart of Darkness. Your analysis of the novel is spot-on.
Hi! i am in serious need of help! i have to analyze a quite from Heart of Darkness and write a two page paper about it. Talking of the different syntax, imagery, and diction. I didnt really understand this book too well and i was wondering if you could help me with it. I would appreciate it so much. Thanks
The quote is: "You will be lost, I said-utterly lost. On gets sometimes such a flash of inspiration, you know. I did say the right thing, though, indeed he could not have been more irretrievably lost that he was at this very moment, when the foundations of our intimacy were being laid-to-endure-to endure- even to the end- even beyond(Page 99.
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