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Heart of Darkness (By Joseph Conrad)

<< July | June 2005 | May >>

“The conquest of the earth, which mostly means the taking it away from those who have a different complexion or slightly flatter noses than ourselves, is not a pretty thing when you look into it too much.”

- the character Marlow, in Conrad's Heart of Darkness

It seemed somehow appropriate while traveling in Southeast Asia that I revisit Joseph Conrad's classic novel, Heart of Darkness. From the major players involved – Britain, France, and the United States – to less influential powers such as Portugal and Spain, one encounters unmistakable signs of imperialist conquest throughout the region. (Prior to the intervention of Western powers, of course, Southeast Asia was the scene of local conquest – with regional giants such as India, China, Japan, the ancient Cham, Khmer, Burmese, and Siamese kingdoms exerting power at various points in history.) In addition, Francis Ford Copolla's dark Vietnam-era film, Apocalypse Now, is very loosely based upon Conrad's novel.

A haunting commentary on human nature and conquest, Heart of Darkness gives life to Charlie Marlow and his journey into the dark heart of Africa in search of the elusive, reclusive Kurtz – star performer for "the Company." Kurtz, it seems, is unmatched in his ability to secure ivory for the Company, yet he's also become something of a renegade. Ultimately, Kurtz is found. The Company man, it turns out, has gone mad, as his service has produced a discovery he hadn't sought: the horror of human nature and madness of his own soul. Marlow, describing Kurtz in the moments before his death:

"Anything approaching the change that came over his features I have never seen before, and hope never to see again. Oh, I wasn't touched. I was fascinated. It was as though a veil had been rent. I saw on that ivory face the expression of sombre pride, of ruthless power, of craven terror – of an intense and hopeless despair. Did he live his life again in every detail of desire, temptation, and surrender during that supreme moment of complete knowledge? He cried in a whisper at some image, at some vision – he cried out twice, a cry that was no more than a breath: 'The horror! The horror!'"

The place of Heart of Darkness among literature's classic novels has been debated, but there's no questioning the boldness or importance of its message. Boasting rich descriptions and elaborate turns of phrase (some say Conrad takes the language too far), the book is full of complex allusions and nuanced themes. Its central message is unmistakable, however. "Heart of darkness" is as much a reference to the nature of man it is a description of the savage darkness of the Belgian Congo.

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