Racism and Its Manifestations in "Heart of Darkness"

Introduction

Joseph Conrad's novella Heart of Darkness, first published in 1899, has long been the subject of critical analysis and debate, particularly concerning its portrayal of race and colonialism. Set against the backdrop of European imperialism in Africa, the narrative follows the journey of Charles Marlow as he voyages up the Congo River in search of the enigmatic Kurtz. Throughout the text, Conrad's depiction of African characters and settings has elicited considerable scrutiny for its apparent racism. This essay will explore key quotes from the novella that highlight the racial prejudices embedded in the narrative, offering a critical examination of how these quotes contribute to the overarching theme of racism in Heart of Darkness.

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One of the most frequently cited examples of racism in Heart of Darkness is Marlow's description of the African natives. Early in the novella, Marlow recounts his observations of the African laborers: "Black shapes crouched, lay, sat between the trees leaning against the trunks, clinging to the earth, half coming out, half effaced within the dim light, in all the attitudes of pain, abandonment, and despair" (Conrad 20). This dehumanizing portrayal reduces the African characters to mere shapes or shadows, stripping them of individuality and humanity. The language used here reflects the colonial mindset that views African people as inferior and subhuman, reinforcing the racial hierarchies that underpinned European imperialism.

Another pertinent quote that underscores the novella's racial attitudes is Marlow's assertion: "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" (Conrad 10). While this statement acknowledges the brutality and moral corruption of colonial conquest, it simultaneously perpetuates racial stereotypes by focusing on physical differences. The phrase "different complexion or slightly flatter noses" reduces complex human identities to simplistic racial markers, reflecting the pervasive racism of the era.

Furthermore, Conrad's depiction of Kurtz's relationship with the African natives is rife with racial overtones. Kurtz, who is revered by the natives as a demigod, is described by Marlow as possessing "immense plans" and a "magnificent eloquence" (Conrad 50). However, the African characters are portrayed as irrational and easily swayed by Kurtz's charisma, reinforcing the stereotype of the "noble savage" who is both awe-inspiring and subservient. This dynamic is encapsulated in the quote: "They would have been even more impressive, those heads on the stakes, if their faces had not been turned to the house. Only one, the first I had made out, was facing my way" (Conrad 57). The image of severed heads on stakes, combined with the focus on their orientation, serves to both exoticize and dehumanize the African characters, presenting them as mere objects in Kurtz's grand narrative.

The novella's pervasive use of racially charged language also merits examination. Words such as "savages," "cannibals," and "brutes" are frequently employed to describe the African characters, reinforcing the notion of inherent racial superiority. For instance, Marlow refers to the African helmsman as a "savage who was no more account than a grain of sand in a black Sahara" (Conrad 45). This metaphor not only diminishes the individual worth of the helmsman but also perpetuates the colonialist view of Africa as an undifferentiated, monolithic entity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Heart of Darkness presents a complex and often troubling portrayal of race and colonialism. Through its dehumanizing descriptions, racial stereotypes, and the use of derogatory language, the novella reflects and perpetuates the racist attitudes of its time. While some critics argue that Conrad's work is a critique of imperialism, the text's pervasive racism cannot be overlooked. The quotes examined in this essay highlight the ways in which Heart of Darkness reinforces racial hierarchies and contributes to the broader discourse on race and colonialism. As such, it is essential to approach the text with a critical eye, acknowledging both its literary significance and its problematic elements.