Blog #7 "Darkness"

Throughout Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness the motif of darkness is effectively used as a symbol to portray the theme of his novel. The title, for example, is the first glimpse the reader has at Joseph Conrad's theme. The African Congo is the heart of Africa. The happenings in the Congo tell a dark tale, therefore, the heart of Africa becomes the heart of darkness.
Also, the motif of darkness is used throughout the novel. At times the author blatantly tells the author of his theme, "We penetrated deeper and deeper into the heart of darkness." (31) "This has been one of the darkest places on earth" and "...had become a place of darkness." (4, 6) are two examples of Marlow's dialogue in the novel that is directed towards the theme Joseph Conrad depicts: darkness. Representing the evil doing of humans, darkness is easily found in the novel. The darkness of slavery, inhumane treatment, and ulterior motives all show the reader the darkness (evil) that exists in the human race.
The meaning of darkness is a constant throughout Heart of Darkness. Although it's examples may change forms, the common theme of the evil in humans hearts has and will be shown in this novel.

In the second grading period, my favorite lesson was the book Three Cups of Tea. Along with the book, I found it extremely worthwhile to learn (through packets) of the political struggles involved with the Afghan government. The readings, preceding the book, genuinely helped me understand the novel at a non-superficial level. Before that lesson, I had absolutely no knowledge of the opium trade. First, I didn't know what opium was. Second, I had no clue that Afghanistan was a huge contributor of opium. After learning about these issues, I was amazed at how much these topics were mentioned in the book. Also, I began to notice the issues discussed on the news. It amazes me that I must have simply looked over this topic and now I am enlightened to the actual affect and meaning. Now, every time I hear opium mentioned on the news, I can connect it to something.

Heart of Darkness

The Congo is so often referred to as the "Heart of Africa." Because the setting of the novel Heart of Darkness, is in the Congo, the title is very applicable. With white men coming into the Congo and enslaving the blacks, the heart of Africa has turned into more of a dark pit. The heart of Africa has become the heart of darkness.
"Behind this raw matter one of the reclaimed, the product of new forces at work, strolled despondently, carrying a rifle by it's middle." (13) This description is of a white man who is in control of the slaves in the "iron collars." Going back to our previous lessons, this can be applied to the nature vs. nurture debate. The man in control of the slaves is under the command of a higher force, "He had a uniform jacket..." (13) Therefore, he is only doing his job by following orders, right? That question is debatable, because to some that is the truth, but to others this man has a moral obligation to do what is humane.
Either way, the title of the book brilliantly includes the setting of the "Heart of Africa" as well as the darkness that is ominously looming over the people in it. By mixing these to idea's/themes, Joseph Conrad has created at title which can give the reader an idea about what will happen.