Colonialism and Imperialism in Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness Essay

Joseph Conrads novella, shopping center of Darkness, describes a life-altering journey that the protagonist, Marlow, experiences in the African Congo. The story looks the historical period of colonialism in Africa to exemplify Marlows struggles. Marlow, like other Europeans of his time, is brought up to believe certain things roughly colonialism, but his views change as he experiences colonialism first hand. This essay will explore Marlows view of colonialism, which is shaped through his experiences and also from his relation to Kurtz. Marlows understanding of Kurtzs experiences show him the effects colonialism can have on a mans soul. In Europe, colonialism was emphasized as being a great and noble cause. It was seen as, the white mans mission to help civilize and improve a savage race. At the beginning of the book, Marlow talks about the Roman conquest of Britain and the similar situation to that of Africa. The Romans felt the British people were savage and looked down on the m because they believed that they had achieved more. I believe Marlow drew this comparison to ironically show that the Europeans are not as superior as they think and to demonstrate that they t... ...99. Print.Goonetilleke, D.C.R.A. Heart of Darkness Overview. Literature Resources from Gale. Gale, 1994. Web. 18 Oct. 2014. Hillman, James. Notes on White command Essaying an Archetypal Account of Historical Events, Spring (1986) 29-57. Loe, Thomas. Heart of Darkness Overview. Literature Resources from Gale. Gale, 1991. Web. 18 Oct. 2014.McLynn, Frank. Hearts of Darkness The European Exploration of Africa. New York Carol & Gey, 1992. Patrick Brantlinger, ?Heart of Darkness Anti-Imperialism, Racism, or Impressionism?? Criticism (Fall, 1985) 364.