Heart Of Darkness Racism Quotes

Heart Of Darkness Racism Quotes
Throughout Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, the issue of racism is extremely evident. There are
many themes in this book and I believe that racism is one of them. You can tell that whites are to be
superiors and the blacks are to be inferiors through every aspect of the reading. The Africans are
viewed negatively in every way. "The humanity of black people is called in question." (Achebe).
This theme should be recognizable because racism still has its effects on today's world. Today's form
of racism is more stereotyping and bullying, rather than slavery and harsh treatment. The novel is
racist because of the irrational diction, the unfair treatment, and the contrast between the Europeans
and the natives. As you read the Heart of Darkness, there are many harsh words and descriptions
made ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
"In passing, he cast a glance of kindly curiosity and a friendly gleam of big, sound, shiny teeth... his
white calves twinkled sturdily." This quote from Heart of Darkness entails the glorious, God like
white man. "A black figure stood up, strode on long black legs, waving long black arms." In
contrast, this quote is a vague description of a black man. This shows that the natives are looked
upon as less than the Europeans. The cannibals are even described as "fine fellows." With this being
said, I would assume that the cannibals are white men, even though it isn't given in the book.
Furthermore, the language of the Europeans contrasts the language of the Africans. The Europeans
are exhibited to have a very good sense of language. However, the natives "exchanged short
grunting phrases." For example, when the native announced that Kurtz was dead he simply said,
"Mistah Kurtz – he dead." This makes it seem that the natives are uneducated and less capable
compared to the white men. The Europeans are set on a higher pedestal in every category compared
to the
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Comparing Shakespeare's Othello with Conrad's Heart of...
Comparing Shakespeare's Othello with Conrad's Heart of Darkness
It is often that when we read great works of literature we come across similar themes. Authors use
powerful ideas that they believe will move their readers and relate to them so they become engaged
in the words written. William Shakespeare and Joseph Conrad were amazing writers of their times
and even though their works were written almost 300 years apart, both, Othello and Heart of
Darkness, have coinciding themes.
The major theme that both Shakespeare and Conrad tackled was racism and the concept of whites
versus blacks. The play Othello tells the story of a black general by the name of Othello and the
betrayal, lies, and deception that comes about when marrying a ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
He uses derogatory and offensive remarks that devalue people of color and make them out to be
savages. Chinua Achebe, a well–known writer, talked about Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness,
entitled "An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad's Heart of Darkness." Throughout his essay, Achebe
notes how Conrad "set Africa up as a foil to Europe,"(Achebe) while he also "projects the image of
Africa as "the other world". Africa is said to be a "prehistoric" world. Conrad described this land as
non–advanced and inferior to the western countries.
Another theme that was portrayed by both Othello and Heart of Darkness was that of good versus
evil. What was ironic about this theme was that it was somewhat opposite and strange for the time
period they were both written in. In both works it seemed as if blacks were seen as the good and
innocent while the whites were seen on the evil side. African heritage is usually portrayed in a
negative light and it was not the case in these pieces. Othello was looked as somewhat of a black
hero and Iago was considered the white nemesis. Iago's deceitful ways brings light to Othello's true
character, a great general and man. Conrad shows the Africans as innocent victims to the white
man's' chaos. The white men, even though they are shown more powerful, are the ones seen in the
dark.
Racism and good versus evil come down to the idea of the white man versus the black man. These
ideas have been in and out of

Colonialism and Imperialism
The European, White Male vs. the Other in Heart of Darkness
The novella Heart of Darkness has, since it's publication in 1899, caused much controversy and
invited much criticism. While some have hailed it's author, Joseph Conrad as producing a work
ahead of it's time in it's treatment and criticism of colonialist practices in the Congo, others, most
notably Chinua Achebe, have criticized it for it's racist and sexist construction of cultural identity.
Heart of Darkness can therefore be described as a text of it's time, as the cultural identity of the
dominant society, that is, the European male is constructed in opposition to "the other", "the other"
in Heart of Darkness being defined as black and/or female. Notions of cultural ... Show more
content on Helpwriting.net ...
In the case of the second instance it is somewhat appropriate that the "leader's" death is announced
by one of the people of the group he is seen to have joined. Therefore Africans are constructed as
being inferior to Europeans through Conrad's refusal to grant them the power of language and
speech and even when they are given the opportunity to speak, Conrad constructs Africans as being
largely inarticulate. Thus confirming the superiority of the white race.
Conrad further marginalises and degrades the African characters and race not only through the
denial of language but also the denial of human form. When Marlow first sees Africans in a small
boat on the water, he describes them in terms of their "muscles", "bones" and "white teeth", despite
also recognizing a vitality and spirit. The disembodiment continues when Marlow encounters the
chain gang at the outer station. It is when seeking "shade" however that Marlow stumbles upon the
grove of death. Here he finds emancipated and dying Africans, cast off by their imperialist "owners"
because they are no longer deemed to have monetary value, or economic viability. Instead of feeling
revulsion's at this, Marlow dehumanizes the Africans, describing them as "bundles of acute angles"
and noting how they drink on "all fours". Thus by denying the Africans their humanity, Conrad
constructs a notion

Misleading Interpretations of Conrad's Heart of Darkness...
Misleading Interpretations of Conrad's Heart of Darkness
Chinua Achebe, a well–known writer, once gave a lecture at the University of Massachusetts about
Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, entitled "An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad's Heart of
Darkness." Throughout his essay, Achebe notes how Conrad used Africa as a background only, and
how he "set Africa up as a foil to Europe,"(Achebe, p.251) while he also "projects the image of
Africa as 'the other world,' the antithesis of Europe and therefore of civilization."(Achebe, p.252) By
his own interpretations of the text, Achebe shows that Conrad eliminates "the African as a human
factor," thereby "reducing Africa to the role of props."(Achebe, p.257)
In supporting these ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
284) In comparing the two views, one must step back and consider that both views are only
interpretations on what Conrad may have intended. Since no one can ever really know what his
actual meanings were for these two women being so similar (in their movements), and yet so
different (in their character), only individual explanation can be brought up. This in particular, is
what brings me to question both Achebe and Sarvan's points. By reorganizing Conrad's descriptive
words, Sarvan was able to propose that Conrad did not intend for the mistress to be perceived as the
"savage counterpart."(Achebe, p. 255) Yet, at the same time, both Sarvan and Achebe each write
about what they think to be the right thing. It seems to me that Achebe was looking for racism in this
short novel, and that Sarvan was so taken back by Achebe's accusations, that he himself, went and
looked for ways to defend Conrad.
However, this particular shortcoming of the native woman, is not the only one that Achebe finds. As
stated earlier, communication is very important in our society and to "civilization" (as known by the
Europeans of the time). While reading Heart of Darkness, I noticed a significant difference in the
levels of communication that were allotted between the Europeans and the Africans. This drastic
difference in speech was at the core

Racism In Conrad's Heart Of Darkness
An essay, An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad's Heart of Darkness, written by Chinua Achebe
came from an amended version of the second Chancellor's Lecture at the University of
Massachusetts, Amherst, February 1975; later publish in the Massachusetts Review, vol. 18, no. 4,
winter 1977, Amherst. This essay is regarding to the racism that was used in Conrad's novel, Heart
of Darkness, and how it influenced the topic at hand of Achebe's essay. Achebe was not happy when
he noticed the racial remarks being used in the books and how no one really focused on them and
wanted to fix the problems. Chinua was brave enough to write an essay, even after Conrad's death,
to express his opinions on racism in Heart of Darkness, but also remarks on other racial factors that
happen in other countries. His main idea is to prove that racism is a problem and that "Joseph
Conrad was thoroughgoing racist." I agree with Achebe's opinions because he uses a lot of evidence
to support his claim, and by reading the actual novel, I too believe he is a racist because of the words
that were used to describe the Africans' appearance and their actions. In Achebe's essay, he writes,
"Heart of Darkness, projects the image of Africa as "the other world," the antithesis of Europe and
therefore of civilization, a place where man's vaunted intelligence and refinement are finally mocked
by triumphant bestiality." Conrad says to juxtapose Africa to Europe and how they are different from
one another. By using

Theme Of Racism In Heart Of Darkness
In the novella Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad it centers around Marlow and his journey into
the Congo River basin. Conrad explores the widespread corruption and brutality in Africa through
the Company's ivory trade. Through the exploitation of Africa many aspects of the book are
criticized for being ingrained in the views of racism. Conrad's depiction of Africans are accused of
holding Africans as savages. In Marlow's journey Conrad alludes to this savagery by the darkness in
Africa that corrupts men by reawakening their primal instincts. This novella is inherently racist that
is furthered explained by socio–cultural analysis Hunt Hawkins. In "Heart of Darkness and Racism"
Hawkins explores how Africans are dehumanized and attacks imperialism on the basis of white men
who are greedy and violent. Hawkins discusses how Conrad's novella echos the views in which the
novella was published that were greatly enriched in the idea of "White Man's Burden" that
colonizers were entitled to impose their influence on black inhabitants. Further, Conrad's novella is
deeply racist by augmenting the patronizing view that Africans are primitive and innocent to the
subjugation by white colonizers. Thus, the Heart of Darkness is deeply prejudice that is completely
valid by showcasing Africans in a negative light compared to white colonizers. To begin, Hawkin's
view of Conrad's work being deeply racist is supported by the dehumanizing light that is casted
upon African culture and

Racism In Joseph Conrad's Heart Of Darkness
African–Americans comprise only 13% of the U.S. population and 14% of the monthly drug users,
but are 37% of the people arrested for drug–related offenses in America. Some people believe we
live in a post–racial society, citing the Civil Rights Movement as evidence. In reality, we still face
racial inequality in our nation from the top–down, in the legal system, from politicians, and those
who are sworn to protect communities from these very injustices. In an age where our country is
controlled by men who find their identities in hatred, we need to come to a consensus as to how we
define racism. Racism is the condition of having prejudices towards people based on their race,
using one's power to oppress those perceived to be under the person in power, or simply
discriminating against someone because of their race.
Discrimination For as long as there has been white people in power, there have been black people
living in oppression. In the context of Joseph Conrad's novella, Heart of Darkness, the most
prominent example of black degradation is slavery. Slaves provide the main labor force for "The
Company" for whom the narrator, Marlow, works as a steamboat captain. These slaves were ripped
from their homes, beaten, murdered, starved, and mutilated. In a scene where Marlow sees a group
of broken–down slaves, he describes the terrible sight, "these maen could by no stretch of
imagination be called enemies. They were called criminals, and the outraged law, like the bursting

Prejudice and Racism in Conrad’s Heart of Darkness Essay
Racism in Conrad's Heart of Darkness
Imagine floating up the dark waters of the Congo River in the Heart of Africa. The calmness of the
water and the dense fog make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck as you wonder if the
steamboats crew will eat you as you sleep. These things occur in Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness.
Although the book is undeniably racist, was the author, Joseph Conrad, racist? Conrad was racist
because he uses racial slurs, the slavery and unfair treatment of the native Africans in his book.
The use of racist language is very prevalent in Heart of Darkness. Conrad, through Marlow, the
main character, uses the word nigger when talking about native Africans on many occasions. "The
fool–nigger had ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
A normal person today would feed and pay those who work for them. It is considered morally sound
to do this. In Heart of Darkness, no one thinks it is wrong to not feed or pay those who work for
you. It would be considered wrong to help feed the workers who are starving. Conrad raises no point
in his book that this act is unacceptable. Conrad then believes it is okay. In Heart of Darkness,it is
considered reasonable to make the natives at fault for things management has done. The manager
sets Marlow's trade goods on fire and blames a native for the blaze. This act dehumanized the native
much like a slave.
"Black figures strolled about listlessly, pouring water on the glow, whence proceeded a sound of
hissing; steam ascended in the moonlight; the beaten nigger groaned somewhere."
(Conrad 28)
If the native people in Heart of Darkness were paid for their work it would be so minute that the
natives would hardly be able to buy enough food to bring themselves out of starvation.
"Besides that, they had given them every week three pieces of brass wire each about nine inches
long, and the theory was they were to buy their provisions with that currency in river–side villages."
(Conrad 42)
The natives who received the wire never had a chance to use it because the boat never stopped at
any villages. Conrad's relaxed writing style makes it sound humorous that the natives were treated
unfairly and that is very racist.

The unfair treatment of the

Heart Of Darkness Racism Essay
In Joseph Conrad's story "Heart of Darkness," Marlow, the main character, can be described as
racist. It can be debated whether he really is racist or not depending on how the reader interpreted
the story. Because this story was written in 1899 with the setting taking place in Africa and a plot
about Europeans taking over African land, the idea of discrimination and racism can be explained.
While the opposite opinion can be described as learned statements and opinions that obstruct the
views Marlow has once he stays in Africa after awhile. Racism is "[a] belief that one's own racial or
ethnic group is superior, or that other such groups represent a threat to one's cultural identity, racial
integrity, or economic well–being; (also) a belief that the members of different racial or ethnic
groups possess specific characteristics, abilities, or qualities, which can be compared and evaluated.
Hence: prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against people of other racial or ethnic
groups (or, more widely, of other nationalities), esp. based on such beliefs." Marlow is racist
because his initial thoughts display specified characteristics of Africans, evaluated qualities ... Show
more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Marlow observed a group of African men and exclaims that their "black rags were wound round
their loins, and the short ends behind wagged to and fro like tails" (Conrad 305). It is also added that
the men he saw had iron collars on their necks and were called "unhappy savages" (Conrad 305).
Not long after, he encounters a young man staring at him with sunken eyes and had "nothing else to
do but to offer him one of my good Swede's ship's biscuits I had in my pocket" (Conrad 306).
Altogether these examples make the natives seem like dogs that are treated unfairly and are dying as
if nothing terrible is happening. Marlow just observes his surroundings and never takes action to
help the natives or talk with the other

Summary Of Racism In Joseph Conrad's Heart Of Darkness
In an interview with Chinua Achebe, a renowned professor of Language and Literature in African
Studies, Caryl Phillips discusses the topic of Joseph Conrad and the claim made by Achebe in his
lecture, "An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad's Heart of Darkness", that Conrad was a racist and
his novella, Heart of Darkness, was not an attack on imperialism, but rather, a philosophical analysis
on the psyche of the European mind as a result of colonization. Attempting to understand the
reasons Achebe claims Conrad is a racist, Phillips travels to Bard College, where Achebe teaches, to
discuss Achebe's viewpoints and reasons for his famous lecture. Two main points are made
relatively quickly: Conrad's obsession of the word "nigger" and his descriptions of Africans when he
first arrives in the Congo. Conrad, according to Achebe, degrades and dehumanizes his African
counterparts by only describing their limbs and appendages, treating them as animals more so than
human; in the one instance where more description is given, he is out of place in society. The natives
are ugly, yet somehow not inhuman; the use of litotes creates an inferior image of the people of the
Congo. Some claim that because Heart of Darkness is told by the perspective of Marlow, Conrad is
not a racist, but simply retelling a story and allows the reader to analyze the meaning behind it;
Achebe argues that the only reason for this distance is to remove the blame and accusations upon
Conrad for his views on

What Is Racism In Heart Of Darkness
Chinua Achebe creates a strong argument against Joseph Conrad, attempting to point out the racism
innate within Conrad's "Heart of Darkness. In Achebe's essay, he explicitly said, "Joseph Conrad
was a thoroughgoing racist" (343). Achebe depicts the narration, and setting of "Heart of Darkness"
to further prove his point. But, he falls short in one aspect of his argument, when he decides to
declassify "Heart of Darkness" as a great work of art. To begin, Chinua Achebe believes that the
character and Joseph Conrad are so similar in nature, that whatever racism Marlow, the main
character, shows must also be a trait of Conrad. Achebe says, "Marlow seems to me to enjoy
Conrad's complete confidence–a feeling reinforced by the close similarities ... Show more content
on Helpwriting.net ...
The very nature of the book is crawling with dehumanizing and objectifying remarks. Achebe had
successfully argued his point of the racism in Conrad, but he had failed with the addition of an extra
remark. The fact that he dissociates "Heart of Darkness" from great art is the flaw in his argument.
Ideology and art should not associate each other with the objective decision in deciding if some art
is great art. Everyone is entitled to their personal decision for liking art, but this subjective
conclusion should not invade the objective resolution of the greater classification of

Prejudice and Racism in Heart of Darkness? Essay
Heart of Darkness: Racist or not?
Many critics, including Chinua Achebe in his essay "An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad's Heart
of Darkness", have made the claim that Joseph Conrad's novel Heart of Darkness, despite the
insights which it offers into the human condition, ought to be removed from the canon of Western
literature. This claim is based on the supposition that the novel is racist, more so than other novels of
its time. While it can be read in this way, it is possible to look under the surface and create an
interpretation of Conrad's novel that does not require the supposition of extreme racism on the part
of Conrad. Furthermore, we must keep in mind that Conrad was a product of a rather racist period in
history, and ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
About Kurtz, Marlow tells us: "His was an impenetrable darkness. I looked at him as you peer down
at a man who is lying at the bottom of a precipice where the sun never shines" (Conrad 117). The
reference is to Kurtz's altered mental state, we learn on the next page: "I saw on that ivory face the
expression of sombre pride, of ruthless power, of craven terror – of an intense and hopeless despair"
(118). The reference is clearly not to Kurtz's physical darkness – Marlow describes him as "ivory" –
but rather to a mental darkness. The departure of Marlow and Kurtz from the Congo also
corresponds to the end of Kurtz's life: "The brown current ran swiftly out of the heart of darkness,
bearing us down towards the sea with twice the speed of our upward progress; and Kurtz's life was
running swiftly, too, ebbing, ebbing out of his heart into the sea of inexorable time" (115). Thus, it
seems that Kurtz's life has become identified with the river – and the river is thus a psychological,
not a physical, object.
The description of Marlow's travels upriver are also worth considering. He tells us that "[g]oing up
that river was like travelling back to the earliest beginnings of the world, when vegetation rioted on
the earth and the big trees were kings... There were moments when one's past came back to one..."
(Conrad 55–56). The last sentence quoted here seems to indicate that the voyage up the river is the
voyage of one

Racism In Heart Of Darkness
Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness stands as one of the best novellas of all time; hence, it continues
to be included in the curriculum in various classes. However in 1975, Chinua Achebe, Nigerian
author of Things Fall Apart, criticized the racist nature present in Conrad's work as well as Conrad's
lack of accuracy describing the African culture in his essay "An Image of Africa." While Achebe's
bias is present due to him defending his native country, he creates a strong, cohesive argument that
unveils the true, underlying racism in Conrad's Heart of Darkness as well as the overwhelming
ignorance it encourages amongst Western culture. Although, he oversimplifies the role of Mr. Kurtz
in Conrad's novella who is a defendable plot point that pushes a satirical tone throughout, therefore
presenting the possibility of weakening some of Achebe's points. Achebe opens his essay on his
college campus with a quick conversation with a student. He gives an overview of the conversation
by saying, "What did I teach? African literature. Now that was funny, he said, because he never had
thought of Africa as having that kind of stuff, you know," (Achebe 1). This pushes Achebe's point
about the misconstructions in Western literature; especially when regarding where this college
campus is at. He's in the middle of New York, somewhere that prides themselves on their culture,
yet the "life of [their] own tribesmen... is full of odd customs and superstitions," (1). There is an
undeniable

Racism In Joseph Conrad's Heart Of Darkness
In Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad chronicles Marlow's descent into the corrupt and sinful depths
of the Congo. In doing so, Conrad describes African culture from the standpoint of a man who has
never encountered the African race. Conrad uses harsh comments and blunt descriptions of the
African culture which Chinua Achebe interprets as racism in his scholarly article, "An Image of
Africa." As a response to Achebe's views, Cedric Watts states his opposing viewpoint that the novel
is not directly racist and supports this view in "'A Bloody Racist': About Achebe's View of Conrad,"
which analyzes Achebe's argument flaws. through discussing. Lastly, Said explains, contrary to both
Achebe and Watts, that imperialism causes racism in the novella. Racism is ambiguously portrayed
in Heart of Darkness; however, after the consideration of Watts, Achebe, and Said's views, the extent
to which Heart of Darkness is racist can be determined through analyzing context and isolating key
elements.
Initially, in "An Image of Africa" Chinua Achebe states his respect for Conrad despite his
resentment toward his racist sentiments. Conrad is only acknowledged as a good writes, instead of
as a racist, which Achebe feels is unfair and 'a shame.' To bring Conrad's racism to light, Achebe
begins his argument by explaining, broadly, that Conrad used Africa in contrast to Europe to show
good versus evil. He says,"Quite simply it is the desire––one might indeed say the need–– in
Western psychology to set

An Image of Africa Essay
An Image of Africa Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad has been depicted as "among the half–
dozen greatest short novels in the English language." [pg.1] Chinua Achebe believes otherwise. In
Chinua Achebe's An Image of Africa: Racism is Conrad's Heart of Darkness he simply states that,
"Joseph Conrad was a thoroughgoing racist" [pg.5] Achebe argues that the racist observed in the
Heart of Darkness is expressed due to the western psychology or as Achebe states "desire," this
being to show Africa as an antithesis to Europe. He first states Conrad as "one of the great stylists of
modern fiction." [pg.1] He praises Conrad's talents in writing but believes Conrad's obvious racism
has not been addressed. He later describes in more detail that ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
3] Achebe believes that Conrad deliberately showed Mr. Kurtz's mistress as a "savage counterpart to
the refined, European woman." [pg.4] As he moves into more detail of the difference, he moves into
the subject of the black's lack of speech. He states that "It is clearly not part of Conrad's purpose to
confer language on the rudimentary souls of Africa." [pg. 4] Instead of speech they are represented
with sounds (i.e. grunting). My first critique was that of the blacks' lack of speech, where Conrad
presents speech on the motorboat. Interestingly enough, Achebe analyzes these points as, at first,
being "acts of generosity from Conrad." [pg.5] But, later states their purpose as showing the
Europeans their "unspeakable craving" [pg.5] or cannibalism. I do however disagree with this
viewpoint. Though initially the speech of the cannibals can be viewed as "some of his best assaults,"
[pg.5] the actions of the cannibals speak louder than their words. The cannibals' restraint towards
eating humans in the novel shows them in a positive light. If you view Africa as a whole, both
blacks and whites should be viewed the same. Mr. Kurtz, being an example, can also be viewed as a
cannibal as it is strongly believed by the Company that he has become a savage, like the Africans.
My point being that the blacks confining from eating humans, does not show Conrad's as a racist but
quite the contrary. Mr. Kurtz's involvement of the African customs and beliefs

Heart Of Darkness Critical Analysis
Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness is leaving a lasting impact on scholars due to its range of
interpretations. Early examinations left out the topic of racism because of the time period; however,
when Chinua Achebe highlights racism in Conrad's work he starts the conversation. Whether Conrad
is racist is intricate when contextualized now or when it was written, late 1800s.
In Achebe's "An Image of Africa," he discusses aspects of the Heart of Darkness that make it racist,
concluding upon Conrad being "a thoroughgoing racist." Achebe defends his argument based on the
white desire to view Africa as "a foil to Europe." He continues analyzing Conrad's antithesis
between Europe and Africa, the River Thames and the River Congo, as well as Mr. Kurtz's Mistress
and his Intended. Achebe compares each showing how they set apart Europe as civilized and Africa
as savage. He elaborates on the comparison referencing the "meaning of Heart of Darkness" and the
fascination with the distant relation between the civilized and savage. Achebe challenges Conrad on
the grounds of his accuracy, since Conrad speaks as a traveler and was "notoriously inaccurate," and
on the grounds of the vulgarity of Heart of Darkness in its dehumanization of Africans. Achebe
interprets these grounds as part of Westerners' "need for constant reassurance [of superiority and
civility] in comparison with Africa." These reasons defend Achebe's conclusion of racism in
Conrad's Heart of Darkness (Chinua Achebe).
"'A Bloody Racist': About Achebe's View of Conrad" by Cedric Watts responds to Achebe disputing
many of Achebe's arguments before stating his own. Watts indicates self contradictions and
hypocritical aspects of Achebe's evaluation due to Achebe's strong opinions that drive him to ignore
others. Achebe dislikes imperialism but has practiced it, traveling and lecturing others to conform
their ideas to become like his. Furthermore, Watts reveals that one's opinion doesn't have to match a
piece of literature for the piece to be a great work, alluding to the potential for multiple
interpretations of the novella. Watts then identifies the progressiveness of Conrad's novella for the
time stating that the "literature is morally and politically

Heart Of Darkness By Joseph Conrad
People like to believe that social constructs and ideas have changed more over time
than they actually have. For many years, Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad was a treasured
classic, with many honourable themes and messages, as the author reveals the true nature of
humanity by following an European sailor's journey through the dark jungles of Africa and down
the river Congo, all while watching as his own humanity changes. As society has evolved,
however, Heart of Darkness has come under scrutiny, as the language is quite racist. Chinua
Achebe, writer of An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad's Heart of Darkness, used his essay to
highlight the racism prevalent in Conrad's writing, but many avid Conrad readers defend the
book, arguing that the book was written in a very racist time period and most of the racist
language and descriptions can be excused. Regardless, it is time that society, particularly white
and European society, recognizes that Achebe is correct in saying that the assumptions,
characterization and setting used in Heart of Darkness were racist then, and are racist now.
It is not uncommon for people to make assumptions; in fact, they are a common and
necessary part of life. Unfortunately, though, they often become the 'easy way out' for writers
who are dealing with a place unknown to them. Achebe points out in his essay that Conrad did
just that, using "the dominant image of Africa" (56) and relying on "Western imagination" (56)

Racism In Conrad's Heart Of Darkness
Grant Ferrara
British Literature
Dr. Warren
14 November 2017
In the article "An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad's Heart of Darkness," Chinua Achebe criticizes
Joseph Conrad for his racist views toward the natives of Africa. After one reads Achebe's critique, it
is clear that Conrad wanted the novella to be perceived as a racist text. Conrad depicts the
uncivilized treatment of nonwhites during the period of colonization without condemning such
actions. After analyzing Achebe's famous work and Conrad's novella I have come to agree with
Achebe; Conrad "was a thoroughgoing racist." (Achebe) Heart of Darkness portrays this position
clearly. Throughout the novella, Conrad describes and represents the Africans and Africa itself in a
racist way. According to Chinua Achebe, the harsh behavior of English people towards the natives,
the lack of equality felt by the English towards the Africans, and the word choices of the English to
and about the savages reveal Conrad's racist position in the work. Constantly throughout the novel,
Joseph Conrad describes the Africans using words bearing a negative connotation. Africans are
portrayed in Conrad's novel as inhuman savages with no language other than sound. For example, he
describes Kurtz's African mistress as "savage and superb, wild–eyed and magnificent." (5; part 3)
Conrad uses the word savage frequently when describing Africans in the novella. Kurtz's mistress is
used in contrast to a European girl who loves Kurtz.

Heart Of Darkness Essay
Joseph Conrad's novel Heart of Darkness uses character development and character analysis to
really tell the story of European colonization. Within Conrad's characters one can find both racist
and colonialist views, and it is the opinion, and the interpretation of the reader which decides what
Conrad is really trying to say in his work.
Chinua Achebe, a well known writer, once gave a lecture at the University of Massachusetts about
Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, entitled "An image of Africa: Racism in Conrad's Heart of
Darkness." Throughout his essay, Achebe notes how Conrad used Africa as a background only, and
how he "set Africa up as a foil to Europe," (Achebe, p.251) while he also "projects the image of
Africa as the ‘other ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Saravan said that Conrad perceived that native woman as a "gorgeous, proud, superb, magnificent,
terrific, [and] fierce" person whose "human feelings [were] not denied" (Saravan, p.284). In
comparing the two views, one must step back and consider that both views are only interpretations
on what Conrad may have intended. Since no one can ever really know what his actual meanings
were for these two women being so similar (in their movements), and yet so different (in their
character), only individual explanation can be brought up. This in particular, is what brings me to
question both Achebe and Saravan's points. By reorganizing Conrad's descriptive words, Saravan
was able to propose that Conrad did not intend for the mistress to be perceived as the "savage
counterpart" (Achebe, p.255). Yet, at the same time, both Saravan and Achebe each write about what
they think to be the right thing. It seems to me that Achebe was looking for racism in this short
novel, and that Saravan was so taken back by Achebe's accusations, the he himself, went and looked
for ways to defend Conrad. However, this particular shortcoming of the native woman, is not the
only one that Achebe finds. As stated earlier, communication

Criticism In Conrad's Heart Of Darkness By Joseph Conrad
Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness is considered one among the successes of the works of English
Literature deserving early response and praise. However, it caused a stir in the late 70s, a change of
reception among readers when Chinua Achebe accused the novella for being racist. Edward Said,
consequently, wrote his own critique in defence of Achebe's conception of Conrad's masterpiece. In
this essay I will argue that both Achebe and Said are primarily influenced by the period in which
their respective essays were written. I will also elaborate on the perspectives these critics have taken
their discussion from and how they have been influenced by their own time in commencing into a
debate on Conrad and how their points, their arguments have changed through time.
A short summary on the object of criticism would be a good idea before beginning to explore the
critical responses on the text itself. Heart of Darkness tells the story of Marlow's expedition on a
steamboat into the African jungle in hopes of finding an ivory–trader named Mr Kurtz. He is
ordered to find Mr Kurtz and bring him back to civilisation. However, Mr Kurtz has no intention of
leaving the jungle, and in fact orders an attack on the steamboat when they get close to his station.
With his long stay in the ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
310). According to another critic, the novella requires and demands full attention from his readers
(ibid. 312). A number of critics found the prose beautiful and the novella atmospheric but one critic
thought the narrative was unconvincing and felt that it too often lost its spontaneity and became too
rhetorical (ibid. 313). One critic mentions that there is no prejudice in the novella (ibid.

Prejudice and Racism in The Jewel in the Crown and Heart...
Racism in The Jewel in the Crown and Heart of Darkness
The effects of British colonialism are reflected in literature from both early modernism and post
colonialism. Racial discrimination tainted both eras portrayed in the British morale of white
supremacy over non–European counties unfolded. Heart of Darkness exemplifies early modernism
in the British explorers viewed African natives of the Congo as incapable of human equality due to
perceived uncivilized savagery. Personal interaction between races was little to none, as the freshly
conquered Africans were still viewed as alien. Likewise, Jewel in the Crown, exemplifies of post
colonialism, echoes racism from the British Rule in India. Postcolonial literature evolved from ...
Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
383). Even though Hari is Indian, He was raised in England. After Hari followed his fathers dream "
to return to India excepted by the English ". He instead learned the English value that an "Indian an
Englishmen could never meet on equal terms" (Jc part 5:p.248). The white supremacy attitude of
inequality based largely on skin color, effected where the interracial couple felt comfortable
exploring the nature of human bonding. They finally felt confide to Biblighar, as "no white man or
white women would come into the gardens" since " the gardens always seemed to have a purely
Indian connection" (Jewel in the Crown, P. 379). The couple's restriction to be publicly shamed for a
black and white couples restricted the emotion of Daphne's instinctual bond with Hari. Daphne
expresses a similar kinship blind of race as Marlow's view as she affirms that " a friendship between
two human beings can't be limited in this way"(JC.p.389).
As the learned prejudice instilled in the both literary characters begin to dissolve, the theme
resonates the questioning of British values in the exploration of human bonding. The British
superior right of to conquer and rule over people indigenous of there own nation was questioned.
The value could not hold true as some British people. The theme is evident as Marlow begins to feel
compassion for the conquered African people, especially after experiencing loss due to the death of
his African Helmsmen. The

Essay about Racism Exposed in Joseph Conrad’s Heart of...
Joseph Conrad's novella, Heart of Darkness, effectively exposed the racism that was common during
his lifetime. Through the harsh behavior and word choice of the characters and narrator, Conrad
displays the uncivilized treatment of nonwhites that occurred during the period of colonization.
Edward Garnett, an English writer and critic, summarized the plot of Heart of Darkness as being "an
impression... of the civilizing methods of a certain great European Trading Company face to face
with the "nigger" (145 Heart of darkness backgrounds and Criticisms). Conrad use of harsh
language and terrifying situations, which were based off of his own experiences, capture the
audience's attention and helps them see the cruelty of the European ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
This similar description reveals the fact that Marlow did not see much of a difference between the
Africans and the savage beasts of Africa. A famous criticism of Conrad's novella is called An Image
of Africa, which was written by an African native named Chinua Achebe. In Achebe's criticisms of
Heart of Darkness, he points out the difference between descriptions of the European woman and
the African woman, who was Kurtz's mistress. The narrator describes the European woman as being
calm and mature, and the African woman as being "savage" (341 Norton). Even though many
writers claim that Marlow is kind to the Africans by bringing light to their situation, the real problem
does not lie in his description of their situations, but his descriptions of the people themselves (30
Heart of darkness Interpretations). Throughout the novella, it seems as if the narrator is describing
the Africans as being almost human, but not quite. There seems to be a line drawn between African
and European that is much thicker than country borders. In a description of a sick boy, the narrator
says, "the man seemed young–almost a boy–but you know with them it's hard to tell" (17 Norton).
This statement may seem harmless, but it is completely unnecessary. It reveals how few interactions
Marlow had with the Africans, and his use of the word "them" creates a ethnical barrier. Along with
negative descriptions of Africans, Marlow also uses a great amount of racial slurs when speaking

Essay Prejudice, Racism and Power in Heart of Darkness
Race and Power in Heart of Darkness
In Joseph Conrad's novella, Heart of Darkness, the socially constructed differences of African and
European cultures are effective in representing the power sites of the time. The alleged `superiority'
of the European culture can be recognized by comparing their ideologies to those of the primitive,
`inferior' `savages.' Conrad's personal experiences in the Belgian Congo, in the 1890s, influenced
the compilation of Heart of Darkness, reflecting the waste and inefficiency of British Colonialism.
Conrad referred to the colonization of Africa as, "the vilest scramble for loot that ever disfigured the
history of human conscience and geographical exploration."(Joffe, 78) The cultural ... Show more
Among the confusion and, "great demoralization of the land,"(p36) he still has the time and
influence to train a native woman to care for his wardrobe. The reader is positioned to view the
Europeans as a sophisticated race with dominance over the primitive Africans.
The attitudes and values of the European society during the late 1800s are represented through
Conrad's construction of Marlow, thereby imparting to the reader a deeper understanding of the
power sites of the era. Marlow comes to scorn imperialism as he witnesses the cruelty,
vindictiveness and debasement of western man. Marlow refers to the Eldorado Exploring Expedition
as "the less valuable animals."(p59). He has come to realize that due to their lack of moral values,
they are of no more worth than the donkeys they led. Although Marlow condemns the operations of
imperialism, and sympathizes with the natives, he still shares the prejudices of many of his fellow
Europeans, viewing the natives as insignificant. To Marlow his helmsman is merely "an instrument"
(p84) and the natives are of "no more account than a grain of sand in a black Sahara."(p84). In the
1890s, the dominant European perspective was that Africans were inconsequential and worthless,
whereas western society was `superior.' As Marlow questions the actions of imperialists, the reader
is encouraged to contest the values and attitudes of their own

Examples Of Racism In Heart Of Darkness
Write a short essay in which you discuss Heart of Darkness and the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the idea that the book reveals assumptions that are racist in nature. Support your
argument by other examples.
Summary of Heart of Darkness
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad tells the tale of mariner Charles Marlow's time as head of an
ivory–pulling steamboat along the Congo River. The novel, established in Conrad's own encounters
as a vendor mariner on the Congo, clearly depicts the revulsions of Belgian colonial rule over and
abuse of Africa. Numerous parts of the book are splendid. Therefore, it has been a generally
instructed great that has influenced a large group of both literary and fiction writers (Snyder, 2014).
The title of the book is undesirable, the reader is set to expect negativity from the book before even
reading it. The book is mainly about Africa so the reader is forced to think negatively about
whatever message the book is meant to send. The title of the book is patronizing to say the least. The
connotations of the heart are love, compassion, sympathy and other positive attributes, whereas
darkness depicts death, fear, evil, despair and other negative ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
"An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad's Heart of Darkness". The Norton Anthology of Theory and
Criticism. New York: Norton Print.
Conrad, J., 1963. Heart of Darkness and The Secret Sharer. New York: New American Library.
Conrad, J., 1963. Heart of Darkness and The Secret Sharer. New York: New American Library.
Mogekwu, M., 2005. African Union: Xenophobia as poor intercultural communication. Ecquid
Novi, 26(1).
Stanford, 2004. Kant's Moral Philosophy. [Online]
Available at: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/kant–moral/
[Accessed 25 March 2017].
Synder, L. A., 2016. An Exploration of Racism in Heart of Darkness. [Online]
Available at: http://www.apex–magazine.com/an–exploration–of–racism–in–heart–of–darkness/
[Accessed 26 March

Arguments Against Chinua Acebe's "An Image of Africa:...
Kody Han
Mr. Burgess
AP Literature and Composition
6 March 2013
An Image of Africa: Not Racism in Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness' People of dark skin have been
wrongly discriminated against by racists for hundreds of years. From the first time Europeans
stepped onto Africa and deemed black skin inferior till now, black people have been fighting for the
right to be called equal. During the last century Africans have made great strides in fighting against
racism. Many black leaders have risen up and confronted those racist against them. However, there
are also times when people have gotten up in arms and have attacked others over misunderstandings.
An example of this is Chinua Achebe's essay "An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad's 'Heart of ...
It makes no sense for Achebe to stretch his information so far to come to this conclusion. It also
makes no sense for Achebe to question Conrad's description of the continent while Conrad has made
the trip into the country. Achebe says, "I will not accept just any traveler's tales solely on the
grounds that I have not made the journey myself" (7). Achebe has never been to the Congo like
Conrad has, yet he has the audacity to question what Conrad witnessed there while Achebe's father
was a baby. Achebe accuses Conrad of depicting Africa incorrectly without having ever having
stepped foot into the continent, which makes him even more clueless to the Africa of Conrad's age.
He declares that Conrad of making Africans seem more savage than they actually were, while
unable to even imagine how they were so long ago. Achebe charges Conrad with racism and
ignorance while completely dismissing his own. Although Achebe is a celebrated author, at many
points during this essay his arguments are weak, even pathetic because of the irrational conclusions
that he comes to. This gives a preview to the carelessness of his essay that becomes evident upon
further inspection. In his essay Achebe seems to forget to (or chooses not to) discuss many factors
that go against his argument. He states that Conrad enjoys things that stay in their place. Achebe
believes that

Racism In Heart Of Darkness Essay
Many literary critics today and throughout the last century have viewed Joseph Conrad's Heart of
Darkness as one of the most outstanding and important works in English literature. However, a
group led and exemplified by Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe objects to this praise, and their
argument, largely based on the inherent racism of Joseph Conrad that prevails in his writing, was
summarized by Achebe in his 1975 lecture, "An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad's Heart of
Darkness". Throughout the lecture/essay, Achebe picks apart Conrad's racist tendencies, but not all
of his arguments are sound. Essentially, Achebe focuses too much on the characters in the novel
itself, as opposed to Conrad's experience in his own life and connecting Conrad ... Show more
By focusing on Kurtz's psychology, and the effect that the "untamed wilderness" has on him, Conrad
lets slip the racism of which he stands accused. Essentially, this novel is not primarily about
imperialism and the horrors thereof, but instead it is about the corruption of a man, a white
European man, in an untamed wilderness.
Unfortunately, Achebe does not touch on this enough to show Conrad's racism through Heart of
Darkness, although he does mention it on page 1790, asking, "Can nobody see the preposterous and
perverse arrogance in thus reducing AFrica to the role of props for the break–up of one petty
European mind?" (Achebe, 1790) This point is the strongest in his essay for displaying Conrad's
underlying racism, but it lacks extension. Perhaps Achebe felt that the point needed no extension. In
either case, he does show compelling evidence from Conrad's real life to experience to put on
display his racist

Racism And Sexism In Joseph Conrad's Heart Of Darkness
Literature is a global art that throughout many languages, cultures, and as well as the course of time,
is open to a magnitude of perspectives and opinions, ranging from literary criticisms written by
literary scholars to school students undertaking VCE. From the time Heart of Darkness by Joseph
Conrad was published in 1899 the novel has been held under considerable scrutiny as many
interpretations have been developed over the novels true intent as well as the overall message
portrayed within. Chinua Achebe's "An Image of Africa" is a well–known criticism on Heart of
Darkness that focuses on a Post–Colonial perspective to describe the nature of the novel. Jeremy
Hawthorn's "The Women of Heart of Darkness" is another well–known criticism ... Show more
Achebe also criticises Conrad's lack of language for his African characters as dehumanising in its
attempt to strip the characters of respectable voices by instead describing their language as
"animalistic grunts" and "cries". The few instances within the novel where an African character
speaks English are described by Achebe as deliberate in their insinuation that the African people are
unintelligent and illiterate. Achebe again contrasts Conrad's use of Africa as a place of
"dehumanisation" as alienating the African people rather than inspiring inhumanity in the white
colonialists that have travelled there. While many readers would agree with the failed attempt at the
exploration of racism, one must contend that writing about something does not necessarily remove it
from criticism and as such when reading Heart of Darkness one can gather the inklings of prejudice
weaved within the text by an author who is known for racist values. While the text is deserving of
appreciation, as for some it is deemed a literary masterpiece, one cannot ignore the racist undertones
of the novel as it is clear that Conrad has prejudices towards Africa and her people and that these
feelings were intertwined into the plot. Conrad's main characters all have some racist values ranging
from blissful ignorance to downright hatred to the African people and in

Prejudice and Racism
No Racism in Heart of Darkness
Chinua Achebe challenges Joseph Conrad's novella depicting the looting of Africa, Heart of
Darkness (1902) in his essay "An Image of Africa" (1975). Achebe's is an indignant yet solidly
rooted argument that brings the perspective of a celebrated African writer who chips away at the
almost universal acceptance of the work as "classic," and proclaims that Conrad had written "a
bloody racist book" (Achebe 319). In her introduction in the Signet 1997 edition, Joyce Carol Oates
writes, "[Conrad's] African natives are "dusty niggers," cannibals." Conrad [...] painfully reveals
himself in such passages, and numerous others, as an unquestioning heir of centuries of Caucasian
bigotry" (Oates 10). The ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Aside from suffering from a uniform one–dimensionality, in what appears to be a bid for sympathy,
Conrad's black characters are portrayed as constantly pitiable, victimized beings, and discusses them
as one might a horse or dog. Despite spending enough time amongst them for him to see so,
Africans have no humanity for Marlow; in that, we can conclude that he is racist.
On the latter half of our question, "is Marlow an extension of Conrad's opinion?" Achebe also
tenders the following: "It might be contended, of course, that the attitude to the African in Heart of
Darkness is not Conrad's but that of his fictional narrator, Marlow, and that far from endorsing it
Conrad might indeed be holding it up to irony and criticism" (318). However, he rejects this idea as
quickly as it was proffered, citing Conrad's attempt to distance himself from the story by using a
narrator who retells Marlow's narration, and mentions briefly that there are similarities between
Marlow and Conrad in terms of real–life careers. Achebe neglects to address another important
indication of the ties between Marlow and Conrad; Marlow's position as a character amongst the
other characters. Our narrator throughout Heart of Darkness seems to be in awe of Marlow. From
the first page, the reader is given a favorable impression of Marlow: "We four

What Is The Theme Of Imperialism In Heart Of Darkness
During the period of British Imperialism in 1899, the Heart of Darkness
was written about the expedition of a British swap company into Congo in search
of ivory. The Europeans treated the African natives brutally. Once cannot help
feel resentment for the unnecessary cruelty the Africans must have endured
despite Conrad's casual condescension towards them. Conrad was quite liberal
for the time and the novella is a document that stands against the imperialist
practices. The notion that there is an amount of racism in this story is an
undeniable truth. While some advocates of how the journey is not related with
racism would argue that in this story there are no specific issues with that, these
idealistic critics are vastly ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
His rage reaches its peak
slightly over halfway finished the essay, but it is immediately again seen during
the author's conclusion. He speaks how he looked to accomplish his article on an
astonishing note but understood no optimism was conceivable," mostly because
of the Western awareness set, of "ancient prejudgment" and a stereotype look" of
Africa, which must not be offered "incentives" in gain for a good opinion of
Conclusion
Heart of Darkness is mistaken trendy their concern toward the "European

mind" and the author. Conrad's love for the word "niggers" and his problem with
the like is also referred to by the author. Achebe belittles Conrad's book after
attacking the sanity and creditibilty of Conrad. He appeals the book "aggressive"
and "disgraceful, uttering that the book "displays prejudgment and offences"
while shouting the very humankind of obscure people into question." By now

Essay on Another Heart of Darkness
Ignorance and Racism
Joseph Conrad develops themes of personal power, individual responsibility, and social justice in his
book Heart of Darkness. His book has all the trappings of the conventional adventure tale – mystery,
exotic setting, escape, suspense, unexpected attack. Chinua Achebe concluded,
"Conrad, on the other hand, is undoubtedly one of the great stylists of modern fiction and a
good story–teller into the bargain" (Achebe 252). Yet, despite Conrad's great story telling, he
has also been viewed as a racist by some of his critics. Achebe, Singh, and Sarvan, although their
criticisim differ, are a few to name. Normal readers usually are good at detecting racism in a book.
Achebe acknowledges
Conrad camouflaged racism ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Marlow felt pity toward the natives, yet when he met the station's book keeper he changed his views
of the natives. "Moreover I respected the fellow. Yes. I respected his collars, his vast cuffs, his
brushed hair. His appearance was certainly great demoralization of the land he kept up his
appearance"
(Conrad 21). Marlow praised the book keeper as if he felt it's the natives' fault for living in such
waste. the bureaucracy only cared about how he looked and felt. The bookeeper did not care for the
natives who were suffering less than fifty feet from him. He stated the natives weren't criminals but
were being treated as if they were, but at the same time he respected the book keeper on his looks
instead of despising him for his indifference. Conrad considered the Africans inferior and doomed
people. Frances B. Singh, author of
The Colonialistic Bias of Heart of Darkness said "The
African natives, victims of Belgian exploitation, are described as 'shapes,' 'shadows,' and 'bundles of
acute angles,' so as to show the dehumanizing effect of colonialist rule on the ruled" (269–
270). Another similar incident of
"double speak" appeared on the death of Marlow's helmsman. Marlow respected the
helmsman, yet when the native's blood poured into Marlow's shoes, "To tell you the truth, I
was morbidity anxious to change my shoes and socks" (Conrad 47). How can someone respect
yet feel disgusted towards

Prejudice in Heart of Darkness: Racism is a Relative Term...
Heart of Darkness: Racism is a Relative Term
Racism is a relative term. While many people argue that Conrad's novel, Heart of Darkness, contains
the theme of racism, they tend to ignore the fact that this novel was written around the turn of the
century. During this time period it was accepted practice to think of a black man as savage because
that was how the popular culture viewed the African American race. If someone called a black man
"savage" today, that someone would be considered a racist. Of course, this turn of the century view
of blacks is inexcusable but it was the accepted norm of the time. The problem is that modern critics
tend to apply modern thinking to all novels, including those written in a specific time period with ...
All these inherited features are the same for every person belonging to the same race according to a
racist. Since racists believe that human beings divide into races, they also believe that the different
races are either superior or inferior (e.g. a racist would call white Europeans a superior race and
black Africans an inferior race). The superior races are entitled to dominate, exploit and destroy
anyone belonging to an, in their mind, inferior race, and racists do not hesitate to do so either.1
Members of inferior races are not seen as individuals or as human beings with feelings at all.
Using this definition of racism makes it, in many ways, easy to see racist statements in the text and
this is why it is also easy to classify the text as a racist text. Nevertheless, a text does not need to be
racist just because some of the characters in the text are. Heart of Darkness is an example of a text
with many racist statements without being racist itself. Moreover, why is that one might wonder?
Mostly because there are also many antiracist parts in the book. I have selected a few of these
antiracist parts to prove that Heart of Darkness cannot be a racist book just because some of the
minor characters are racists. That does not make the purpose of the book racist.
One of the first non–racist statements that Marlow pronounces is when he talks about London and
how it also has been heathen at some

Essay on Marlow's Racism in Joseph Conrad's Heart of...
Marlow's Racism in Heart of Darkness
Heart of Darkness is an intriguing story as well as a symbol for Joseph Conrad's social commentary
on imperialism. Marlow's journey takes him deep into the African Congo where he bears witness to
a number of life–altering revelations. He beholds his most striking revelation when he begins to
compare the "civilized European man" with the "savage African man." These two opposing forces
represent the two conflicting viewpoints present in every dilemma, be it cultural, social, or
otherwise. As a modern European man who believes religiously in imperialism, Marlow is
inherently arrogant. Yet, although he cannot accept the African jungle as being equally important as
imperialism, his ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
No; you want a deliberate belief.'"* The inherent strength of civilized people is in our ability to trust
to faith, to believe so much in something that it will preserve our sense of self even when it is
threatened by total absence of, even the opposite conditions of, all that formed to make it. The
Africans fascinate Marlow, lure that part of him that wants to escape from the surface–realities
created by sociality. Is it a deliberate belief that saves him from asserting his attraction, or an
accident of situation? "'You wonder I didn't go ashore for a howl and a dance? Well, no–I didn't.
Fine sentiments, you say? Fine sentiments be hanged! I had no time. I had to mess about with
white–lead and strips of woollen blanket helping to put bandages on those leaky steam–pipes, I tell
you. ...There was surface–truth enough in these things to save a wiser man.'"* The technological
realities of civilized man happened to allow him to focus his thoughts on work. "This reconciles
with the notion of a 'deliberate belief' because Marlow unshakeably believes that work contains truth
(and he can assert this truth against the truth of the Africans) and is not another system of surface–
reality"(Hubbard 125) . Marlow sees his journey as a demonstration of the failure of surface–
realities to restrain man from gratifying his instinctual lusts; their failure in even remaining surface–
truths but degenerating in the minds of man to

Analysis Of Joseph Conrad 's ' Heart Of Darkness '
Shelly Pyakurel
Ellen Stockstill
English 4 DC
27 April 2015
Research Paper
Heart of Darkness is a novel by Joseph Conrad that centers on Marlow, a man who goes to the
Congo for a job opportunity. He meets a man named Kurtz, who is well known by many. Once he
gets to the Congo, he sees colonialism first–hand. He sees that the natives of the country were
practically enslaved and forced to work under very harsh conditions. The two major characters of
the novel are Marlow and Kurtz. There are many minor characters throughout the novel as well.
The novel shows readers how black men and women are referred to in such animalistic terms. Not
even describing them as humans, but savages. They are not given any names, to the point to that
they have no identity. When Marlow speaks about England, he describes it to be a dreary. Dreary
indeed as imperialism is brought to light in this novel. "Ultimately, Marlow becomes complicit in
the genocide and the madness in the Congo, choosing to conceal what he has discovered in Africa to
protect the naivete of a lady."(Baker).
Joseph Conrad implies that there is really no difference between black and white; that black people
are just less advanced than whites. This idea is not really on the same terms with equality or
humanistic values, but for that time and day, Conrad had differing views from most people. Most
Anglo men and women from that period believed black people to be savages and primitive. The first
character to be analyzed in this

Chinua Achebe's Heart of Darkness and Racism Essay
Chinua Achebe's Heart of Darkness and Racism
The Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe made claims in the 1970s that 'Heart of Darkness' was a racist
novella. My initial thoughts on this are yet to be decided during the course of this essay. While my
thoughts are yet to have any significance, I do believe that Chinua Achebe's remarks hold some
truth.
Achebe's theory assumes that Marlow and Conrad are the same voice. This could be a reasonable
assumption as research into Conrad's life has given us knowledge of Conrad's early years. In the
'heart of darkness' the main character, Marlow has since childhood, had a desire to "go there"
(Africa), whilst exploring maps of the world. Conrad, in the ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
The grandeur and excellence in which the Thames is depicted cannot bare any comparison to the
two sentenced description of the Congo.
"â€¦ a mighty big riverâ€¦ resembling and immense snake uncoiled. And as I looked at a map of it in
a shop window, it fascinated me as a snake would a bird a – a silly little bird."
In contrast to the Congo, the river Thames can be seen as a highly favourable portrayal of such a
populous and commended European symbol. With a nine paragraphed description of it and only a
two sentenced observation of the Congo, it is easy to see why Achebe would fall to such a
conclusion as the 'Heart of Darkness' being a racist novella.
The two sentences alone says quite a lot to enrage a true African patriot. The 'snake' being the
Congo and the 'silly little bird' being Marlow, are two creatures of the wild that have not been
known to have any reverence for each other. While one preys on the other, Marlow suggest to his
audience that he was a victim of the never escaping charm of man's old foe – the snake.
Certainly some of the language used about Africans in the 'Heart of darkness' sounds to our modern
ears outrageously racist.
"â€¦ a savage who was no more account than a grain of sand in a black Sahara."
A fellow human being has just died here, yet Marlow feels the need to justify his remorse for the

Of Racism In Chinua Achebe's 'Heart Of Darkness'?
Chinua Achebe creates a strong argument against Joseph Conrad, attempting to point out the racism
innate within Conrad's "Heart of Darkness. In Achebe's essay, he explicitly said, "Joseph Conrad
was a thoroughgoing racist" (343). Achebe depicts the narration, and setting of "Heart of Darkness"
to further prove his point. But, he falls short in one aspect of his argument, when he decides to
declassify "Heart of Darkness" as a great work of art. To begin, Chinua Achebe believes that the
character and Joseph Conrad are so similar in nature, that whatever racism Marlow, the main
character, shows must also be a trait of Conrad. Achebe says, "Marlow seems to me to enjoy
Conrad's complete confidence–a feeling reinforced by the close similarities between their two
careers" (342). Achebe is describing the close resemblance between the character and the author,
there are similarities in what they had both done, while in the Congo. Moreover, considering the
many layers of dilation in this story, the narrator narrating someone else's narration, all written by
Conrad, seems to be "totally wasted" (342) from the perspective of Achebe. These statements are not
without good reason since Conrad "neglects to hint however subtly or tentatively at an alternative
frame of reference by which we may judge the actions and opinions of the characters" (342).
Therefore, Conrad has not attempted to even give the reader a reference of what the character's
motivations might be, and because there is

What Is The Theme Of Racism In Heart Of Darkness
The themes of racism and discrimination against the people living in Africa (Congo) are present in
the novel Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. There have been many discussions about whether
Marlow (the main character and narrator) and Conrad are the same person and the literary critics are
still at war regarding this question. There are some who claim that Conrad is a "bloody racist" for
his "white racism against Africa" . First of all, Africa is presented as an . Secondly, the people are
described as animals, savages, with no rights whatsoever, as compared to their sophisticated British
fellows whose only aim is to "educate and civilize them". Moreover, the natives are totally
dehumanized by not having even proper names and therefore they ... Show more content on
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One would say that it is justifiable since Conrad lived in a period when what now seems racist and
discriminatory, was completely normal then. His environment and surrounding were racist at that
time . But, was it really necessary to make Europe superior to Africa in every aspect, not to consider
the people living there as human beings, but as animals and even to deprive them from the crucial
means of communication? It seems like Conrad went to extremes setting the English as an example
of sophistication, education and righteousness and on the other hand, the African an instance of
wilderness, bestiality and ignorance. Even nowadays, there are many people who consider the white
race to be culturally and intellectually superior to the black race. Critics will always find evidence to
support their claims about what is racist and what is not in Heart of Darkness and it is up to us as
readers to decide which side to

Theme Of Racism In Joseph Conrad's 'Heart Of Darkness'
Jazlyn Aponte
6.13.17
Racism is misleading: Theme of TFA
Racism is still a problem today, even though it has changed over time. In the past, it was more open
and something that was normal. Now, there are less people who are racist, or, those who are racist
have just gotten better at hiding their thoughts and changing their words so that they seem like
normal comments. In Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, the main character, Marlow, journeys the
Congo and describes what he sees. In a response to Heart of Darkness, Chinua Achebe wrote "'An
Image of Africa': Racism in Conrad's Heart of Darkness". Here, he explains his views on what
Conrad wrote and what he thinks it means. One of Achebe's famous novels was Things Fall Apart,
based in a ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
On the other hand, Unoka, Okonkwo's father, "was lazy and improvident and was quite incapable of
thinking about tomorrow. If any money came his way, and it seldom did, he immediately bought
gourds of palm–wine, called round his neighbors and made merry." (Achebe 4). Unoka was a very
irresponsible man and could not think about the long–term effects of his actions. Unoka was looked
down on in his village and everybody knew that he was not successful and that he didn't make the
right decisions. This shows that he is the total opposite from Okonkwo and that even though
Okonkwo and Unoka are both African, they are different from each other in multiple ways, such as
their character.
Additionally, Achebe uses diction to counter Conrad's Heart of Darkness by showing that he is racist
and it is not right to characterize Africans the way that he is characterizing them. When Marlow is
describing the land, he says that they "were wanderers on a prehistoric earth, on an earth that wore
the aspect of an unknown planet." (Conrad para. 1). Marlow is saying that he is on a "prehistoric
earth" and that he feels like he has gone back in time. When we think of prehistoric, we think of
ancient and uncivilized, which means that he is calling Africans uncivilized. Conrad's specific
choice of words prove that he was racist and had no respect for those who he saw as different from
him. To summarize his view on Conrad, Achebe says that "The point of [his]

Racism And Imperialism In Joseph Conrad's Heart Of Darkness
It is evident that during the Victorian era, Britain gained its sense of identity from the notion of the
empire. It was during this period that the idea of the steam engine emerged, breaking the barriers of
long distance travel which was then available to the average man via ships and trains (Sussman 14).
This, in turn, led to the growth of imperialism that promoted the civilising mission in the 'many
blank spaces on earth' (Conrad 35). With specific interest in Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, I
argue that Victorian impressions of the civilising mission were constantly encumbered with racist
qualities.
Heart of Darkness begins with The Nellie, at rest on the river Thames. The river here is described as
'unruffled' and 'tranquil', one that brings peace 'after ages of good service ... Show more content on
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Significantly, the spell is, in fact, only dissipated once the riverboat has escaped the dark magical
heart of the forest. Not until then does Kurtz, in a final moment of sudden self–illumination, realise
the "horror" of what he has become. Only then is he permitted to die." (Firchow 19).
This is an interesting analogy, as it not only depicts the natives as 'sorcerers' of black magic, but it
also portrays Marlow as a 'pure' rescuing Knight, an image of himself that he might not detest, for in
his eyes, he did return to Europe and spared himself from the horrors of the imperial encounter, and
yet lives on to tell the tale in the very fashion of the Heart of Darkness. Once again, he uses Africa
as his canvas on which he readily paints his existential struggles, summing Africa into nothing more
than 'blank space' (Conrad

How Does Heart Of Darkness Relate To Racism
In Heart of Darkness written by Joseph Conrad, Conrad delivers his view on the cruelty that African
tribespeople had to face and the effect of imperialism. The presence of racism in the text takes
shapes and forms of all different sizes. Sometimes being very blunt and straightforward, while at
other times, being extremely subtle and soft–spoken. Racism however, is evident from the beginning
and is an integral part of message the novella conveys and the way it's seen and interpreted by
readers everywhere. Some may argue that Conrad is unintentionally being a racist and others may
argue that he is a fully fledged racist. The matter of the fact is that the things Conrad said in Heart of
Darkness are indeed racist. Those comments made by Conrad ... Show more content on
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In Heart of Darkness: Anti–Imperialism, Racism, or Impressionism? Patrick Bratlinger states "When
Marlow declares that "the conquest of the earth... is not a pretty thing," he goes on to suggest that
imperialism may be "redeemed" by the "idea" that lies behind it" (284). When Marlow talks about
redeeming imperialism, he is alluding to trying to revive it. A thing can only be revived if it's dead.
The main purpose of imperialism was to extend power and dominion, especially by direct territorial
acquisition or by gaining political and economic control of other areas. It's used with such a negative
connotation because it sacrifices morals and values in exchange for power. It's like a deal with the
devil. The anti–imperialistic attitude in Heart of Darkness shows atrocities to the Africans. They
suffered slavery, torture and cruelty. Kurtz is open about the fact that he does not trade but rather
takes ivory by force, and he describes his own treatment of the natives with the words "suppression"
and "extermination": he does not hide the fact that he rules through violence and intimidation. His
perverse honesty leads to his downfall, as his success threatens to expose the evil practices behind
European activity in Africa. Imperialism in Heart of Darkness treats the Africans as objects. Marlow
refers to his helmsman as a piece of machinery, and Kurtz's African mistress is at best a piece of
statuary. These derogatory remarks about the Africans also give light to the racism in the text. The
racism actually helps prove Conrad's view of imperialism. Conrad displays the negativity of
imperialism and the anti–imperialistic actions in Africa and he condemns imperialism in all ways.
Without the racism, the text would not be as vivid and Conrad's view would not be as easy to
understand. The racism actually elevates and makes the text

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