heart of darkness
A much revered and criticized book is Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness. It deals with many issues, the two most forthright being the themes of Racism, and the difference between light versus dark. Through two contrary sources, and insights on various cases of symbolism, the book or "novella" as it is referred to, will actually be seen as one mans struggle to recognize the plight of civilization and race relations. Running throughout the book is the book is theme of deconstruction. This is a key concept to understanding the concept of light versus dark throughout the book. Deconstruction is one way of viewing the book. "It is most complex and forbidding of contemporary critical approaches to literature, but in fact almost all of us have, at one time, either deconstructed a text or badly wanted to deconstruct one"(Murfin 215). Deconstruction basically states that there is more to perceive from the book than what is first perceived. The Deconstructive view shows Conrad and his fleeting psychological images portrayed through images of the uncivilized jungle which is his own personal darkness. It ties very closely into the stories light versus dark theory, because it shows the jungle as something dark and d
Marlow shows that he is not a racist, because he puts down the white officers, while saying that some of the colored ones have strong will, and put up with a lot of torture. Meanwhile he states that the white officers sit around on there ass, and do nothing all day while crying about there petty little diseases. "Along with colonialism and trade came the forced ideals of a race who thought themselves more superior than those who occupied the land before them" (Firchow, pg. 9). We see the Whites completely dominate the Blacks within this story. In the above passage, Conrad states that this is their refuge.. They come here to die. These people were slaves who endured a lot of physical pain. Not only did they have to carry pounds and pounds of ridiculous raw material, they never got breaks or decent medical attention. The blacks are not given any personality or uniqueness. We see no glimpse of humanity in their characters, which is common in all racists, trying to dehumanize a particular prey. Murfin, Ross C. and Miller, J. Hillis. "Deconstruction and Heart of Darkness." in "Heart of Darkness": A Case Study in Contemporary Criticism. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1989, pp. 199-225. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mitchell describes racism in his critical analysis of the book. He cites such passages as : This reference supports the idea that light(white) is good and dark(black) is evil. It is no coincidence that Conrad makes sure to distinguish that light is good, and dark is bad, light is life, and dark is death. Another instance is that the pilgrims develop a religion around collecting the "rich," "pure," commodity known as ivory. It is also no coincidence that the color of ivory is white, and that black "slaves" do not have the ability to reap this precious commodity. The light according to Deconstructionist theory is ideals set by society. It is the proverbial "wool" that is pulled over our eyes. This view puts into perspective eadly, but also personifies it. The jungle becomes something older than humanity and culture. So civilized that it wishes to destroy culture as it scoffs at it. Deconstruction sheds light on the fact that
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Approximate Word count = 1490
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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