Heart of Darkness

Well, I had heard and read a great deal about Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness”. It was recommended by many friends. I also got impressed after reading reviews. But the novel disappointed me a great deal. If someone asks me to define the book in one word; I would directly say ‘Overrated’. Why it is so, I will explain later. Lets’ first have an over view of the book.

The story is narrated by a seaman named Charlie Marlow who gets appointed as captain of a steamboat destined to Congo River. During his stay at various stations of his company he witnesses two things: firstly, he witnesses exploitation and deplorable condition of native and, secondly, he often hears one name a certain Mr. Kurtz.

While talking about the natives we must keep in mind that they are sons of the soil and should be one of the main concerns of the book. However, for the author, this important issue of exploitation of natives under imperialism merits only two paragraphs. This approach shows an ugly face of European narrative on the colonies and the natives. It shows a racist and one-sided approach of the author. Though, we do not expect much from the Western authors to write for rights of the natives, but, at least natives deserve more than one paragraph.

And secondly Mr. Kurtz is shown as a first-class agent, a great supplier of ivory, in charge of a very important station. Since Kurtz was born of a half French mother and half British father, the author describes him as ‘All Europe contributed in making of Kurtz. Kurtz is presented as a symbol of European colonialism. Yet he holds a godly sway over the natives. Natives love him; they adore him and even don’t want him to leave.

Here the writer again has shown an attitude of supremacy of colonizers over the colonized victims. This colonialism and imperialism has often been justified in the names of progress, development, civilization etc. but all these are ‘words, words and words’. It is far beyond from morality and ethics.  

The novel portrays corruption of individuals at individual level. European agents’ “only real feeling was a desire to get appointed to a trading-post where ivory was to be had, so that they could earn percentages. They intrigued and slandered and hated each other”. It missed to portray corruption of colonial powers at highest systematic level. How can one forget exploitation of Asian, African and Latin American countries by colonial powers? Genocide and exploitation of Congo for the mere sake of ivory and diamonds is unforgettable and unforgivable sin.

As far as the novel is concerned, it is boring one in many senses. First of all, author’s language is not fascinating and does not succeed to draw attention of reader for a long time. Reader finally gets exhausted with tasteless diction. Secondly, the first chapter discloses about Mr. Kurtz and reader waits for something big is coming up. Yet, till third chapter nothing big comes up and finally the reader gets frustrated.

I still recommend this novel to the readers of international literature in the developing countries so that they may see how European writers describe their colonialism in a soft way.