Review: Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

Heart of Darkness Joseph Conrad Review

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad 8.5/10

The Wikipedia entry for Heart of Darkness reads: “Central to Conrad’s work is the idea that there is little difference between ‘civilised people’ and those described as ‘savages’. Heart of Darkness implicitly comments on imperialism and racism.”

I saw this interpretation in four reviews.

Perhaps I did not understand the novel. Imperialism, racism, the hypocrisies inherent in “civilised” society; I found these topics to be secondary to the principal theme that permeates this novel on every page. A darker thought followed me throughout this story, one that speaks to the darkness in the heart of every human being.

Plot: 8/10

Charles Marlow, a strong-willed mariner in search of novel and enlightening experiences, takes a job as a steamboat captain in the Congo. He is tasked with finding the enigmatic ivory trader, Mr Kurtz. His hazardous journey into the heart of Africa opens his eyes to profound but unsettling aspects of human nature. The mythical presence of Mr Kurtz follows him, hinting at the wondrous and terrible realisations that await him at the end of his journey.

Characters: 9/10

Charles Marlow is an insightful and objective observer throughout the bulk of the novel. He does not get involved in the lives or petty rivalries of the other characters. This choice of character traits affords the reader the opportunity to form their own opinion. Marlow’s need to speak with the enigmatic Mr Kurtz is his primary motivation throughout the journey. To say Marlow “takes charge” is not technically correct, he is like the guy who changes the tyre while the rest stand and debate the best placement for the jack.

Mr Kurtz does not appear until the end, but he is a constant presence throughout. In most of the narrative, he is part of the setting, rather than a character. His personality and the embodiment of the jungle run hand in hand, each new revelation about the untamed wilderness invariably enhances the protagonist’s understanding of Kurtz. When you finally meet Kurtz, he exceeds all expectations. The enigma surrounding his methods and personality only deepens after his introduction.

Joseph Conrad’s minor characters serve their purpose. They aren’t as robust and fully formed but considering the length of the novel and the method he used to tell the story; they are remarkably well rounded. His descriptions of the native Africans are haunting, the sorrow and hopelessness is vivid and beautiful.

Setting: 8/10

The setting alone is a reason to read the novel. The jungle is an ominous, all-present, oppressive force. It gets a bit monotonous, steaming along a river with jungle on both sides, but I assume that was the experience he wanted to convey.

Theme: 9/10

As I said in the intro; racism, imperialism, and the fragility of civilisation are secondary to another theme that permeates this novel on every page. Another thought followed me throughout this book, one that speaks to the darkness in the heart of every human being.

Will, this was the dominant theme. The author compares the other characters to Kurtz every chance he gets. What separates Kurtz from the rest is his readiness to reject the artificial morals and boundaries of civilisation. He is unadulterated, will… a force of nature. Kurtz condemns the brutality inflicted on the local African people by the Europeans, yet he is the worst perpetrator. He also expresses regret that he could not finish his “work”. Kurtz’s work is his desire to determine the extent of his power and influence. Kurtz is a demigod, inhuman, he is not limited by morality and places no limits on the depravity and horror he will inflict. Kurtz’s behaviour was a conscious choice. He is not a psychopath, he almost approaches his work as a scientific study.

The horror! The horror! These are Kurtz’s final words. It did not sound like regret… It sounded like awe.

PS:

Robert Oppenheimer came to mind whilst reading this book. I wondered why he continued his research after he saw the destructive power of the atomic bomb. The power must have been intoxicating, despite his apprehensions.

“I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds,” Oppenheimer’s words could easily have been “The horror! The horror!”

Style and Mood: 8/10

Marlow recounts his experiences while fishing on the Thames, years after his return from Africa. This narrative style’s transitions can sometimes be jarring. Joseph Conrad’s transitions between the present and Marlow’s recollections are seamless.

Total Score: 8.5/10

This book is dark, disturbing, and some will find it offensive… you should read it anyway. It is raw and beautiful, like watching a lion devour a gazelle.

Thanks for reading

JJ