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moscat 's review for:
Heart of Darkness
by Joseph Conrad
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
His was an impenetrable darkness.
Oof! This is very good, and I'm glad I waited until I knew more of the history of the Belgian Congo to read it (although I don't think it's necessary by any means).
I think it's definitely important to distinguish between Conrad's voice and Marlow's. The depiction of the native Congolese is racist, but Marlow's commentary is (I believe) intended to highlight the brutality and mistreatment, not to endorse the colonial perspective of primeval savagery. Though there are still valid criticisms to be made.
Kurtz is an Eldritch being, a rotting numen at the heart of the European presence. And it is the Europeans who are the darkness in the heart of Africa, not the unmapped places or the native people, but the brutal greed and supremacy. The capitals of Europe, those sepulchral cities, are as dark - or darker - than 'darkest Africa'.
And as contemptuous as Kurtz is, the company - with its nameless factotums - has no qualms about reaping profits until he is deemed 'unsound'. Capitalism is, and always will be, amoral.
Oof! This is very good, and I'm glad I waited until I knew more of the history of the Belgian Congo to read it (although I don't think it's necessary by any means).
I think it's definitely important to distinguish between Conrad's voice and Marlow's. The depiction of the native Congolese is racist, but Marlow's commentary is (I believe) intended to highlight the brutality and mistreatment, not to endorse the colonial perspective of primeval savagery. Though there are still valid criticisms to be made.
Kurtz is an Eldritch being, a rotting numen at the heart of the European presence. And it is the Europeans who are the darkness in the heart of Africa, not the unmapped places or the native people, but the brutal greed and supremacy. The capitals of Europe, those sepulchral cities, are as dark - or darker - than 'darkest Africa'.
And as contemptuous as Kurtz is, the company - with its nameless factotums - has no qualms about reaping profits until he is deemed 'unsound'. Capitalism is, and always will be, amoral.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Colonisation