Heart of Darkness

A detailed Summary of Heart of Darkness

No summary, no dissecting out of a "subject", is adequate to express the intention and significance of Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness". The theme is not schematic; it is embodied in the metaphors, in the structural pattern, and the step-by-step flow of the narration. However, Conrad does have one identifiable chief concern. As he himself stated in a letter to F. N. Doubleday on June 2, 1924: "I think that an author who tries to 'explain' is exposing himself to a very great risk-the risk of confessing himself a failure. For a work of art should speak for itself. Yet much could be said on the other side; for it is also clear that a work of art is not a logical demonstration carrying its intention on the face of it."

"Heart of Darkness" has it significant public side, as a heated document on illogical and brutal exploitation. It may be read merely to shock, yet it is evidence of things seen and done.

To attempt to understand the purpose of the story, it is important to first closely evaluate Marlow's character. One would think that Marlow is merely the obvious medium through which we examine the exploitation of the Congo natives and the degradation of Mr. Kurtz, the 'hollow man'. However, "Heart of Darkness" is above

Acclaiming light, he faces darkness; but a mounting conviction that the darkness of Kurtz and the forest may be his own or that in their internal and external perplexity, he can no longer tell light from dark is reason for concern and uncertainty. Marlow at one point even admits to feeling a certain kinship with the savages on the shore, despite their unfamiliar customs and wild displays. Howling natives correspond to something inside himself; but in spite of everything, professing light he is loyal to Kurtz's darkness. This brings up the obvious questions...what does Kurtz mean by the "horror the horror"(Conrad, 2356), and why does he lie to the Intended?

There is irony in Marlow's unquestioning acceptance of Kurtz's "horror" as a signal of kindness and moral illumination. For all we know, Kurtz may be horrified because his practices and ivory gathering have been cut short-or he may be looking at Marlow. If he is looking at Marlow, is it in disgust or pity?

I don't feel Marlow's function is merely to comment. He is not just a puppet of sorts, but a complete character. Although when he speaks, I often confused him with Conrad. At any rate, Marlow is a character separate from his creator. To Conrad, Marlow is the target, as Kurtz seems Marlow's.

all concerned with the influence of the country and of Kurtz on Marlow. One could conclude this from Marlow's own words. "It was the farthest point of navigation and the culminating point of my experience. It seemed somehow to throw a kind of light on everything about me-and into my thoughts. It was somber enough too-and pitiful-not extraordinary in any way-not very clear either. No, not very clear. And yet it seemed to

This leads to the conclusion and an attempt to uncover meaning in both "Heart of Darkness" and Marlow as a character. In Marlow's eyes, the most one could desire for out of life is self understanding or self- realization, and that perhaps the most absolute knowledge comes just at the fl

Some common words found in the essay are:
Marlow Civilization, Inner Station, Kurtz Marlow, Kurtz Marlow's, Kurtz's Intended, Heart Darkness, Darkness Marlow, Doubleday June, , light dark, heart darkness, Conrad Marlow, kurtz words, light light, dark light, marlow character, looking marlow, light darkness, kurtz marlow,

Approximate Word count = 1336
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English