What are the major themes in Heart of Darkness?

Marissa L. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad is a fascinating tale of a journey down the Congo River during the times of colonialism. Its themes of imperialism, greed, hypocrisy, uncertainty, racism, isolation, sanity, and morality make it one of the most important books of the 20th century.

What does the river in Heart of Darkness symbolize?

It symbolizes the characters’ movement away from civilization as well. The thick vegetation on its edges and the fog the characters encounter on the river help illustrate the increasing darkness as they move towards Kurtz. This helps the overall theme of darkness in the novel.

What is the irony in Heart of Darkness?

The greatest irony in Heart of Darkness is the transformation of Mr. Kurtz from a civilized whitemen into a savage. In his early life Mr. Kurtz was a man of sound sense and enlightened outlook upon life.

What is the central idea in Heart of Darkness?

Central to Conrad’s work is the idea that there is little difference between “civilised people” and “savages.” Heart of Darkness implicitly comments on imperialism and racism. The novella’s setting provides the frame for Marlow’s story of his obsession with the successful ivory trader Kurtz.

What does the jungle symbolize in Heart of Darkness?

In the novel, the jungle fosters darkness and provides a platform for the contrasting ideas of truth and vagueness, and symbolizes the true savagery that lies within the Europeans.

What is the meaning of Heart of Darkness as a metaphor?

Lesson Summary Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness uses metaphor to explore the impact of imperialism on the people of Europe and Africa. Darkness, the Congo River, and the painting of the woman are metaphors that work together to bolster Conrad’s argument against imperialism.

What is the significance of the title Heart of Darkness?

The phrase ‘Heart of Darkness’ refers to the inmost region of Africa (which was in those times still in the process of being explored) and the black people who still led primitive lives. The title is appropriate for the novel because Marlow has described his experiences of the Congo and people of Congo.

What is the motif of Heart of Darkness?

The interplay between light and dark become a key motif in the book, evening contributing to the title. The narrative is presented as a journey from light to dark, both in the sense of journeying from the “enlightened” Europe into the dark heart of Africa and journeying into the darkness of Kurtz’s character.

What is the thesis of Heart of Darkness?

Thesis: Conrad’s novel Heart of Darkness is overtly political, demonstrating how colonialism destroys the hearts and souls of all human beings.