Study Notes on Colonialism and "Heart of Darkness"

Introduction to Colonialism and the Congo

  • There is no international government governing global affairs.
  • The absence of such governance is highlighted by historical events like the Berlin Treaty.

The Berlin Treaty and the Congo

  • The Berlin Treaty (1884-1885) established the Congo as a sovereign state.
  • King Leopold II of Belgium became the sovereign ruler of the Congo.
  • Leopold exploited the region for personal profit rather than for the benefit of the Congolese people, Belgium, or the country itself.

Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness"

  • The novel features complex narrative structures with multiple narrators.

Narrative Structure

  • Two narrators:
    • The main narrator who recounts Marlow's story.
    • Marlow, who shares his own experiences in the Congo.

Distinction Between Narrator and Author

  • It is crucial to differentiate between the author, Joseph Conrad, and the narrator within the story to understand the intended commentary.
  • The narrator is a character who hears Marlow's story; they are not the same as Marlow.

Themes in "Heart of Darkness"

  • The narrative juxtaposes imperialism and colonialism with elements of civilization and primitivism.
  • Key Elements Discussed by Marlow:
    • The Thames River serves as a metaphorical symbol representing the history of England and its past connections to imperial actions.
    • Historical reflections on the Roman Empire’s influence over England, as well as explorers like Sir Francis Drake were made.

Juxtaposition

  • The story places England's imperialism against the backdrop of its exploitation in Africa, emphasizing the contrast between civilization and savagery.

Imperialism and Character Symbolism

  • Various European characters (a Swede, a Dane, and a Russian) represent different countries involved in imperialism and the ivory trade in Africa.
  • Conrad critiques the imperial role of these nations and their mercenary exploitation of African resources.

Africa's Historical Context

  • Prior to colonization, Africa was a highly developed continent with its own complex societies and cultures, which were overlooked in colonial narratives.
  • Conrad's critique reveals the negative implications of European imperialism in Africa.

Colonial Metaphors and Structural Racism

  • The text uses Africa as a metaphor for the ills of Europe, especially the darker aspects of European imperialism.

Human Connections and Structural Racism

  • Marlow's character interacts with African individuals, implying a human connection that contrasts with European portrayals of Africa.
  • Chinua Achebe’s critique of Conrad suggests an underlying structural racism in Western thought.

Lightness and Darkness

  • The concepts of lightness as good and darkness as evil are articulated as rooted in the racial perceptions of the 1800s.
  • Racial identities began to be assigned color labels during the 1700s, intensifying by the 1800s.
  • Prior to that, individuals were primarily identified by their religions and ethnic affiliations, not by skin color.

Historical Examples and Racial Signifiers

  • The Trojans in classical texts did not identify individuals by color; the concept of race as understood today did not exist.
  • In contemporary readings, the presumption of white characters occurs in the absence of racial signifiers, revealing an implicit bias in interpretation.

Conclusion

  • The discussion highlighted how whiteness has been normalized in literature and art, affecting perceptions of characters and narratives.
  • The historical context and its implications on current understandings of race, literature, and imperialism are crucial for deeper comprehension.