As seen throughout the novel, the main focus is the Congo. Through Marlow's words alone he states that he river "has been one of
the dark places of the earth". The word dark is defined as the absence of light. In the novel, "Dark" meaning the physical appearance of the little sunshine that makes it past the abundance of trees lining along the river, and also dark in the metaphorical aspect of the evil that comes when trying to bring civilization to the natives in the Congo. Ironic in the sense that Belgium's efforts to bring the light of civilization to the river are uncivilized in capturing the natives and making them slaves brings them the fog of darkness.
In the beginning parts of the book Marlow goes on to describe his fascination with the river by talking about the mystery behind the "blank space" on the map. The Congo was "the biggest, the most blank, so to speak— that I had a
hankering after". This statement is not only emphasizing the importance of the river to Marlow, but how important it will be throughout the book as a whole. The Congo is the heart. The most vital organ in a body that pumps blood through an entire body to keep it functioning properly just as the river pumps its water. Also, another parallel to the Congo being the 'heart' as used in the title is that it is the main focus, or center, of the story written.
"The Heart of Darkness" is a metaphor for the physical aspects of the Congo being "dark" and the river being a "heart" that pumps the water to keep the culture along the river alive just as a heart pumps blood to keep a human body alive. It is the ironic twist of the Congo being the center focus in the story that is so dark that it brings light to the situation.
2/11/2016
Rachael Williams
I believe that this is one reason that the book is called "The Heart of Darkness", but I also think their is another reason. i believe that the other reason is European imperialism. They take over countries and make people their slaves throughout history and the book.
ReplyDeleteI think the title i agree has a ironic twist to it. As it brought light to situation that is dark. Also, it brings upon a sense of personification to the book. As a physical heart as you mentioned can be the river itself. It also brings upon a true reality of society. As a less unknown country can be called the heart of darkness
ReplyDeleteThe title of the book gives reason to believe that the world itself is full of darkness. It can go from places of the world to how the people can treat others. "Heart of Darkness" can symbolize no matter what we tell people, there will always hold statements that are untrue.
ReplyDeleteI think that the darkness is created from the distancing of the europeans away from the african society. This darkness could also be viewed as the more primal nature which can be seen in the african tribes.
ReplyDeleteI think the main point of the darkness is, each time darkness is put out by light, we as readers think this is a good thing. When in reality, the light can symbolize either enlightenment, or even false enlightenment, as we can see the darkness can be represented by peace, and away from European ideas.
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