Heart of Darkness Novella by Joseph Conrad

Heart of Darkness 
 (1899)

Introduction

The Heart of Darkness is a Novella written by Joseph Conrad and published in 1899. It is considered one of the great works of English literature.

Constantly, this work is regarded as an attack on Imperialism yet, criticizes the immoral treatment of the European Colonizers upon Africa in the 19th century.

Perhaps, The Heart of Darkness (1899) was inspired by Conrad's Voyage in Africa. It is the controversial Novella that depicts the harsh and hidden reality of European Imperialist practice and its effects in Congo.

Historical Background

The historical background of Heart of Darkness is rooted in Imperialism, Racism, European conquest, and the subjugation of African people along their government. 

Although,  this Novella infers the European governments in Africa during the 1890s. At that time Africa was under the control of King Leopard II however Leopard's dramatical statement and purpose was to prevent savageness by the means of development and advancement.

European Colonialism

Despite this fact, European Colonialism was often justified through a "civilizing" myth.

Certainly, Europeans Colonizers claimed that "We are here to Civilize the Native of Africa and convert the Primitive(uncivilized) to humans.

Autobiographical Element 

Heart of Darkness is based on Joseph Conrad's (writer) own life experiences. 

Perhaps, this Novella is a record of Conard's venture to the Congo in the 1890s. At the age of 9 years old, he was analyzing the world map wherein he focused on the black dots which are not yet been discovered, and decided to explore those places. In fact, Africa was one of those places. 

Once Conrad made the target and decided,

"I grow up, I shall go there" 

In the Novel, Marlow also told his friends that, "In his boyhood; he had been greatly attracted by the African land which was known as Congo.

Conrad's Journey Begins
Conrad's main duty after getting the job (on behalf of his Aunt) on a steamship was to bring the company's main agent or we can say main soldier Klein which is ultimately shifted in the Novella as Kurtz in the Heart of Darkness. 

Here you do not confuse between Klein and Kurtz because both are the same characters; in real life he is Klien but in the novel, he acts as a Kurtz.

Nature Resemblance 
Conrad had faced several unpleasant experiences during his visit to Congo, his nature was to record entire scenarios in his diary which gave it the name Congo Diary whereas Marlow also recorded all the scenarios and psychological effects upon the white traders and agents who were sent to the Belgian Company. 

Additionally, Marlow appears as a pessimist in the novella however, Conrad himself was a pessimist too. Both had the same chief qualities in nature such as; both urge to explore blank maps even though both were filled with curiosity and skepticism and never satisfied with people easily. 

Main Idea 

Joseph Conrad with the eye of Marlow eager to explore the European advancement and civilization in Africa but when he arrived there; what he saw and heard was totally opposite nevertheless Marlow eagerness and hopes fell into the marsh of Africa.

Certainly, Marlow determined the obvious intentions of Europeans that how they were regulated the Imperialism and Colonialism behind the great book of civilization means the book bind with the cover of civilization but when Kurtz and Marlow open its chapters/pages those were totally or entirely filled with bloodshed and brutality of imperialism and Colonialism.

Here we can relate the prominent sayings; 

"Never judge a book by its cover
unless or until you read it fully by own"

Frame Narrative 

The frame narrative refers to the story within the story. The Conrad uses the frame narrative by addressing Marlow's story and his experiences on the ship named "Nillie"