Image of Africa in Joseph Conrad’s "Heart of Darkness"

 Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness: Africa as the Antithesis of Civilization

Unveiling the Metaphysical Battle of Man's Mind and Africa's Primal Allure
Racism in Conrad’s Heart of Darkness
 Conrad's Dual Portrayal of African Identity and the Consequences of European Exploration

Heart of Darkness: The Decay of the European Mind in the Perilous African Backdrop

Critics of Joseph Conrad's novel "Heart of Darkness"  often argue that his primary concern lies not in Africa itself, but rather in the decay of a European mind caused by solitude and sickness. Africa serves as a mere backdrop for the disintegration of Mr. Kurtz's psyche, with the African people reduced to an absent human factor. Conrad presents Africa as a metaphysical battleground devoid of recognizable humanity, a perilous realm into which the wandering European ventures at his own risk.

Within this treacherous landscape, Conrad paints a haunting picture of the European mind unraveling. As the protagonist embarks on his journey up the River Congo, the dense jungle becomes a physical manifestation of the darkness lurking within his own soul. The isolation and harsh conditions of the African wilderness strip away the veneer of civilization, exposing the fragility of the European psyche. It is a descent into the abyss, where the boundaries between sanity and madness blur, and the inherent darkness that exists within all humans is brought to the forefront.

Africa, in Conrad's narrative, symbolizes the unknown, the primitive, and the uncontrollable forces that lie outside the realm of European civilization. It is a place where societal norms and moral constructs crumble, and the veneer of superiority bestowed upon the European man fades away. Conrad challenges the very notion of European exceptionalism, exposing the frailty of their claimed enlightenment in the face of the raw, unadulterated forces of nature and human instinct.

In this context, Africa becomes both a physical and metaphorical battleground, a place where the European mind confronts its own demons and grapples with the harsh realities of its existence. The African landscape, with its impenetrable forests and mysterious depths, becomes a mirror through which the characters confront their innermost fears and desires. It is through this confrontation that Conrad explores the profound darkness that resides within humanity itself, transcending the boundaries of time and place.

Rivers of Dichotomy: Unveiling the Contrasting Realms in "Heart of Darkness" 

"Heart of Darkness"  portrays Africa as "the other world," an antithesis to Europe and civilization, where man's intellect and refinement are ultimately scorned by triumphant bestiality. The book begins on the tranquil River Thames, symbolizing peace and civilization, surrounded by the race of people that inhabit its banks. However, the story unfolds on the River Congo, a stark contrast to the Thames. The River Congo does not enjoy a retired status; it has rendered no service and receives no old-age pension. Conrad asserts that "Going up that river was like traveling back to the earliest beginnings of the world."

Is Conrad suggesting, then, that these two rivers represent the dichotomy of good and evil? Yes, but that is not the core point. It is not the contrast itself that troubles Conrad, but the lurking hints of kinship and common ancestry. Even the Thames, despite its conquest of darkness and its current state of enlightenment, risks hearing grotesque echoes of its own forgotten darkness and falling victim to a vengeful resurgence of mindless frenzy if it were to encounter its primordial relative, the Congo.

Humanity and Savagery: Unveiling the Depths of "Heart of Darkness" 

While the most captivating passages of "Heart of Darkness"  revolve around the African landscape, the true essence of the story lies in its depiction of people. Conrad illuminates this aspect through a quote from the middle of the narrative, where representatives of Europe on a steamship traveling down the Congo encounter the inhabitants of Africa. They cannot comprehend what they see because they are too distant and unable to recall the bygone ages, leaving hardly a trace or memory. Herein lies the significance of Heart of Darkness and its enthralling effect on the Western mind: the thrill arises from the realization that the Africans possess a humanity like ours, albeit marred by ugliness.

Conrad narrows his focus to a specific example, providing one of the rare descriptions of an African who is not reduced to mere physical features or exaggerated mannerisms. As a romantic at heart, Conrad may not exactly admire savages clapping their hands and stamping their feet, but he acknowledges that they, at least, occupy their proper place. In contrast, he scorns the Europeans who venture out of their safe strongholds, represented by the policeman and the baker, to delve into the heart of darkness.

Towards the end of the story, Conrad unexpectedly devotes an entire page to an African woman who had been Mr. Kurtz's mistress and now looms as a formidable enigma over his inevitable downfall. She is described as savage, magnificent, and wild-eyed, exuding an air of inscrutable purpose and brooding power.

This African woman, though portrayed predictably, serves two purposes. First, she occupies her rightful place and earns Conrad's special approval. Second, she fulfills a structural requirement of the narrative by serving as a savage counterpart to the refined European woman who emerges to conclude the story.

Conclusion: Africa as a Catalyst for the Disintegration of the European Mind

It would be unfair to claim that Conrad originated the image of Africa presented in his book. This portrayal has long prevailed in the Western imagination, and Conrad simply employed his own unique gifts of storytelling to depict it. The West, for reasons requiring psychological exploration, seems to be plagued by deep anxiety regarding the fragility of its civilization, often seeking reassurance through comparisons with Africa. If Europe, as it advances in civilization, could periodically cast a backward glance at Africa, trapped in primordial barbarity, it could assert with conviction and emotion, "Stay away from Africa, or else!" Mr. Kurtz of "Heart of Darkness"  should have heeded that warning, as the lurking horror within his heart would have remained chained to its lair. However, he foolishly exposed himself to the irresistible allure of the jungle, and the darkness eventually consumed him. Thus, Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" uses Africa as a backdrop for the disintegration of the European mind, highlighting the perils of solitude and sickness. The African landscape serves as a metaphysical battleground, challenging the notion of European superiority and exposing the universal darkness that resides within every human being. Through his powerful and unsettling narrative, Conrad prompts us to confront our own shadows and contemplate the precarious nature of civilization in the face of the untamed forces of the world.

 Ardhendu De  

References

1. Heart of Darkness : Joseph Conrad : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/ost-english-conrad_joseph_1857_1924_heart_of_darkness

2. Renner, S. (1976). Kurtz, Christ, and the Darkness of “Heart of Darkness.” Renascence, 28(2), 95–104. https://doi.org/10.5840/renascence197628217