The themes in “Heart of Darkness” explore the destructive nature of imperialism, the darkness of human nature, the corrupting influence of power, and the blurred lines between civilization and barbarism. Through vivid imagery and complex characters, Joseph Conrad presents a scathing critique of European colonialism in Africa, while also delving into the psychological and moral implications of colonialism on both the colonizer and the colonized. The novella is a powerful exploration of the depths of human depravity and the fragile nature of morality in the face of greed and power.
Read the detailed Summary of Heart of Darkness
Colonialism and Imperialism: One of the most prominent themes in the novel is the destructive impact of colonialism and imperialism on Africa and its people. This theme is evident from the very beginning of the story, as Marlow describes his journey up the Congo River:
“The reaches opened before us and closed behind, as if the forest had stepped leisurely across the water to bar the way for our return. We penetrated deeper and deeper into the heart of darkness.” (Chapter 1)
This description suggests that Marlow is not just travelling into the geographical interior of Africa but into a deeper, more profound darkness that represents the moral and spiritual corruption of European colonialism. Later in the novel, Marlow reflects on the devastating impact of colonialism on the African people:
“They were dying slowly–it was very clear. They were not enemies, they were not criminals, they were nothing earthly now–nothing but black shadows of disease and starvation, lying confusedly in the greenish gloom.” (Chapter 1)
This passage highlights the dehumanizing effects of colonialism, the exploitation of African resources, and the devastating toll it takes on the lives and well-being of the African people.
“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” (Chapter 1).
The Darkness Within: Another central theme in the novel is the idea that there is darkness within all humans, which can be unleashed under certain circumstances. This theme is particularly evident in the character of Kurtz, who represents the darkness at the heart of European colonialism. Marlow describes Kurtz as someone who has gone “mad” and “glimpsed the horror” of his own inner nature (Chapter 2). Later in the novel, Marlow reflects on the nature of Kurtz’s madness:
“His soul was mad. Being alone in the wilderness, it had looked within itself and, by heavens I tell you, it had gone mad.” (Chapter 3)
This passage suggests that Kurtz’s madness is not just a result of the harsh conditions of colonial life, but a manifestation of the darkness that exists within all humans. The novel suggests that this darkness can be unleashed under certain circumstances, such as the exercise of power and the exploitation of others.
“The horror! The horror!” (Chapter 3).
Civilization versus Savagery: The tension between civilized society and the primitive, savage state of nature is another important theme in the novel. This theme is evident in the descriptions of the African landscape and the behavior of the African people. Marlow describes the African landscape as “primeval” and “unearthly,” suggesting that it is a place of raw, untamed nature that is vastly different from the civilized world of Europe (Chapter 1). Similarly, he describes the behavior of the African people as “savage” and “barbarous,” highlighting the contrast between their way of life and that of Europeans:
“They howled and leaped, and spun, and made horrid faces; but what thrilled you was just the thought of their humanity–like yours–the thought of your remote kinship with this wild and passionate uproar.” (Chapter 1)
This passage suggests that despite the differences between European and African culture, there is a common humanity that links all people.
“Going up that river was like travelling back to the earliest beginnings of the world, when vegetation rioted on the earth and the big trees were kings” (Chapter 1).
Power and Corruption: The corrupting influence of power is another central theme in the novel. This theme is evident in the behaviour of the European colonizers, who used their power to exploit and oppress the African people. Marlow describes the European colonizers as “pilgrims,” suggesting that they are on a spiritual quest to conquer and dominate Africa (Chapter 1).
“They were conquerors, and for that you want only brute force–nothing to boast of, when you have it, since your strength is just an accident arising from the weakness of others” (Chapter 1).
“The Company was going to make a railway—for its own purposes, of course—and had hired already a few strolling adventurers with an air of professional independence.” (Chapter 1)
“I had no idea why he wanted to be sociable, but as we chatted in there it suddenly occurred to me the fellow was trying to get at something—in fact, pumping me. He alluded constantly to Europe, to the people I was supposed to know there—putting leading questions as to my acquaintances in the sepulchral city, and so on.” (Chapter 2)
Anamul Haque 