The exploitation continued even after Kurtz’ death. These attacks also cause death to locals more than the targets. They are also enticed to attack the people not standing in line with the main agent, Kurtz, including the attack on the steamer carrying Marlow. In fact, Marlow is also the part of this exploitation where locals are misled and mesmerized by Kurtz. It is only mentioned in oblique words such as “the horror” and the postscript of Kurtz “Exterminate all brutes,” which points out the truth about the trade and the people involved. However, Marlow does not clarify or accept the amount of brutal exploitation that happened in the name of trade. The ivory trade is the main trade throughout the Congo River. They destroy their land by the colonization and eventually steal Africa’s resources. In one of the situations, Marlow, the spokesman of Conrad, clearly states that conquest of the earth means “taking it away from those who have a different complexion.” In other words, he is indicating that the Europeans think they are of a higher race. This theme also runs parallel to diverse other themes in Heart of Darkness. Theme #4Ĭolonization means establishing control over the indigenous people of a country or a place.

He finally tells another lie to avoid disappointing Kurtz’s Intended that Kurtz had said her name before dying. Marlow says that several things are left out and, in his words, “away from the truth of things.” The ironic language used from the very start occasionally shows that Marlow cannot speak the truth. All the European powers engaged in Africa are occupying their land and plundering resources while propagating it as a civilizing mission. However, the theme of the lack of truth lies at the heart of the text.

The superficial themes of the novel are imperialism and cruelty of the European powers. Marlow believes that his voyage is “heavenly mission” of a white man to spread the enlightenment of Christianity in the darkness. There are heads erected on the poles around the station where Mr. Kurtz, has been engaged in killing the natives to plunder the resources. Though Kipling’s words “white man’s burden” wring in his ears, he sees the opposite. He journeys toward Congo to meet popular station manager, Kurtz. Theme #2Īnother prominent theme of the novel is irony of Marlow’s voyage and the purpose. Marlow describes the ravages of imperialism during his journey to the heart of Africa. Kurtz is in Congo pretending to civilize the people and was engaged in the ivory trade and involved in horrific ancient rituals of sacrificing humans to appease the native Africans. Marlow accepts taking African’s land from the people is not right. However, it was hidden in the slogan of spreading civilization. Imperialism is actually European colonization of countries from Asian and African continents for resources. One of the major themes of Heart of Darkness is imperialism.

Heart of darkness cliff notes