Discuss the Representation of Civilisation in Heart of...

Heart of Darkness is a highly complex novella, as it does not provide the reader with an ending that satisfies his or her expectations, though the implications are profoundly more powerful and unsettling as it destabilises the reader’s notion of humanity. Conrad deconstructs the notion of western civilization being â€Å"a shining light and because of it knowledge has reached every quarter of the globe,† through the symbolic meaning of light and darkness and the breakdown of form in the narrative to echo theme. Notions of imperialism and colonialism are put into disrepute by Conrad through Marlow’s own justification and his struggles with the frame narrator, as he seeks to destabilize dominant ideology through ambiguity in his narrative, which†¦show more content†¦The Frame Narrator simultaneously names London as the â€Å"biggest, and the greatest, town on earth.† The British Empire in 19 century became â€Å"the empire which the sun never sets. † Conrad shows the glorification of imperialism in this passage. In an almost contradictory tone the Frame Narrator observes above London there ‘was a dark air, condensed into a mournful gloom, brooding motionless’ over the city. This suggests the oppressive atmosphere in London and the immoral and dark project of Imperialism, because of what British colonists bring to Africa; death, racism and unfair trade. Ultimately this is what Stanley also brought to Africa, words of a spiritual mission, but actions of darkness. The nature of colonialism and imperialism being a business, rather than a holy mission, is evident as the Frame Narrator begins introducing his companions by their titles instead of their names, â€Å"the Director of Companies was our Captain and host†. This implies that the people involved in colonial practice were looked at in terms of business as opposed to seeing the humanity in them. This is reflected with the aspect of imperialism stripping away all humanity from civilisation. Again in the novella’s contradictory manner, Conrad establishes the idealistic idea of imperialism by describing the Director standing â€Å"in the bow looking seaward,† suggesting a heroic character. His companions view him with â€Å"trustworthiness personified,† suggesting that suchShow MoreRelatedThe Forest in Folk and Fairy-Tales3104 Words   |  13 PagesIt has been said that in literature a forest is a place where you can both lose and find yourself. 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