Analysis_of_Conrad's_Heart_of_Darkness

How Does the Use of Description and Metaphorical Devices Create the Theme in Heart of Darkness' Mankind’s sanity, morality, and reality all serve as key elements in justifying the way society lives and acts; when those three pillars are turned upside into a hazy, grey picture the boundaries and constraints in which humankind lives become limitless. This terrifying abyss of a land enables ruthless behavior, insensitivity, and moral doubt amongst the land’s inhabitants. Joseph Conrad successfully creates this horrific image within every reader’s mind in his novel, Heart of Darkness. His unerring ability to describe every detail of the human exploration of a grotesque, immoral African river allows the reader to feel the self-doubt presented to the ones exploring the dark lands. Joseph Conrad emphasizes the agony of internal fright, moral confusion, and human isolation through detailed descriptions of environment and experience to create a theme of darkness that peels back the layers of the multifaceted human mind in his novel, Heart of Darkness. Józef Teodor Conrad Korzeniowski was born December 3, 1857, in the Russian occupied Berdyczów, Ukraine (Merriman). Joseph was an only child, and his family was under tight Russian surveillance during his youth. In 1861, Joseph’s mother and father were arrested for their involvement with Anti-Russian organizations. Russian officials exiled the family, and Joseph’s parents died of tuberculosis in the Russian province, Vologda, due to harsh living conditions (Merriman). Joseph was four years old, and without parents. Joseph’s uncle, Tadeusz Bobrowski, cared for him until his adulthood. Joseph’s uncle arranged plans for Joseph’s education, but it is said that Joseph never took to the formality of tutoring. Joseph not only gave his tutor a difficult time, but also shared his future goals with him. “His frustrated tutor soon learned that from an early age he yearned to travel on the seas and go to the ‘dark continent’ of Africa,” (Merriman). Once Joseph was old enough, he traveled to Marseilles, France working as a seaman for several years. After he attempted suicide the French did not take him back, so Joseph worked under the English ship, “Mavis,” (Merriman). It was under the English that Joseph traveled to the Congo River in Africa. This voyage shaped his literary career because, “In 1890 Conrad at last plunged into the ‘dark continent’ and wrote his ‘Congo Diary’ that would later become Heart of Darkness,” (Merriman). Conrad’s novel, Heart of Darkness, portrays a man’s harrowing journey on a steamboat into the immortal depths of the African jungles surrounding the Congo River. The story originates from Joseph Conrad’s diary entries, but the character, Marlow, tells the story and experiences the journey. Marlow travels to Africa to join a Belgian trading company in hopes to meet Mr. Kurtz. Marlow spends several months waiting in Africa due to his steamboat sinking. He experiences the darkness of the area, and his anticipation to meet Kurtz builds. Finally, Marlow travels up the Congo River, steering the steamboat for the Company. The general manager and other pilgrims unjustly treat the native workers, and the entire ship encounters an attack while traveling the river. Marlow finally reaches Kurtz’s station, where the idealized Kurtz has befriended all the savages. Kurtz, being on his deathbed, must be taken home, but he has become a sort of deity amongst the savages. Therefore, he does not want to leave behind his people, and his ivory. Marlow persuades Kurtz onboard, and they leave the natives behind. Kurtz becomes a sort of idol in Marlow’s mind at this point, but Kurtz dies on the journey home, leaving Marlow with the general manager. Marlow returns to Europe and meets with Kurtz’s fiance to give her letters from Kurtz. Marlow realizes Kurtz’s various roles in many people’s lives, which weakens Marlow’s bond with him (Conrad). Marlow’s journey through the depths of jungles portrays a man facing constant internal uncertainty, which causes human fright and moral bewilderment. The theme of terror and darkness prevails throughout the novel, especially when taking Marlow’s personal experience into account. His voyage is unlike any other journey taken by man, and Marlow states, “The earth seemed unearthly. We are accustomed to look upon the shackled form of a conquered monster, but there-there you could look at a thing monstrous and free,” (Conrad 97). The prevailing evil accounted throughout the novel exemplifies the terror and vulnerability Conrad creates in the book. The use of description and diction aid to produce the theme of darkness. Marlow says, “The current was more rapid now, the steamer seemed at her last gasp, the stern-wheel flopped languidly, and I caught myself listening on tiptoe for the next beat of the boat, for in sober truth I expected the wretched thing to give up every moment,” (Conrad 101). The diction and vivid descriptions point to the immense feelings of hopelessness and darkness Marlow experiences. The theme of terror heightens the suspense and drama of the novel, creating unforgettable scenes in the readers’ minds. Conrad justly portrays the untamed savagery of the Congo River within the theme of the book. Additionally, the extended metaphor Conrad creates enhances the overall effect of the theme and embellishes the feelings Marlow experiences as he journeys deeper and deeper into the jungle. Conrad constantly alludes to “the heart of darkness” in the novel, which becomes a key extended metaphor in the book. Using this metaphor instead of saying the jungle or the wilderness allows the reader to understand the drama and hopelessness Marlow undergoes. Along the journey Marlow says, “We penetrated deeper and deeper into the heart of darkness,” (Conrad 97). This image of the heart of darkness lingers in the minds of the reader creating the visionary terror Marlow sees. This metaphorical element aids in the effect of the theme, and supports the message of the book. Humankind loses all rationality and poise when thrown into the depths of hell on earth, and Conrad exemplifies this throughout the novel. In closing, Joseph Conrad’s timeless account of his journey through the darkest place on earth gives readers a visionary scenario to follow and a terror within to embrace. The novel’s endless descriptions, metaphors, and imagery aid in the creation of a dark and horrific theme. Heart of Darkness remains to be a refreshing piece of literature that personally accounts the monumental experiences of Joseph Conrad. This esteemed novel will prevail through our time, and its endless meanings can be applied to any generation of peoples.  Works Cited Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness. New York: New American Library, 1997. Print. Merriman, C.D. “Joseph Conrad.” http://www.online-literature.com/conrad/. Jalic Inc., 2007. onlineliterature.com. Accessed 31 October 2010. Web.