HOD

Joseph Conrad was consumed with writing about the human condition and the underlying circumstances that drive humans to do the things they do. He recognized early on that the psyche can be an enhancer, a redeemer, and a destroyer. Heart of Darkness is not only a tale of Marlow’s self-discovery in the Congo, but one which exposes and redefines morality, amorality, and immorality. This moral ambiguity is a common thread throughout Marlow’s story deriving from his inconsistent moral standards relying on the activity of societal checks and cultural norms. On the other hand, Kurtz neither survives nor returns from the heart of darkness because he takes advantage of his surrounding and thus suffers from moral regression. Kurtz therefore represents the effect of Freud’s “uncontrollable personal needs” acting as the physical representation of Marlow’s unfulfilled desires.

HOD Question

Kurtz neither survives nor returns from the heart of darkness because he takes advantage of his surrounding. Using the ivory, human skulls, and the natives to exert his domination, Kurtz’s mentality is regresses. On the other hand, Marlow had societal checks on him so he was able to survive in the heart of darkness and come back as a “changed man”.

HoD Psychological Journey

Marlow begins his journey into the “Heart of Darkness” by creating a thick and ambiguous atmosphere. As a reader, I notice that the only things he had secured were his mission to meet Kurtz and his acute awareness and intelligence that would get him there. Consistently, Marlow makes comparisons between England and Africa, reminding the reader of their missions manifested by polarized attitudes. Faced with death, helplessness, and hunger, Marlow questions his leadership abilities and his existence on the mission, while having to confirm his morals every step of the way. For this reason, he admires the Chief Accountant for succeeding in adverse conditions. The Accountant's acceptance of responsibility motivates Marlow to reflect on his progress, but also to recognize the torture and mental pain inflicted by colonizers who claim to be bringing "light".

As Marlow travels further and further into the continent, he digs deeper into his conscience and that of Africa's inhabitants. As his sole purpose and psychological desire is to merely meet Kurtz, Marlow understands that the challenges he is faced with can best be navigated with his moral compass. That is why Marlow begins to see the importance of situational analysis.

The reader's journey into the "Heart of Darkness" is fulfilled by Marlow's unexpressed thoughts. By the choices he makes, Marlow conveys his personal principles to his readers, leaving them with a colourful tapestry of his subconscious, stung by memories of the Congo and exasperated by his hopes to meet his idol.

HoD P. 430 #6

This portrait strikes me as a woman bringing light to darkness, creating a path for those who follow behind her. At further glance, however, the woman's blind sight reminds the observer that her purpose is to lead the way without bias, judgment, or preference. Can this be true? Does the blindfold represent her lack of knowledge instead? In other words, it is the blind leading the blind into deeper darkness. Marlow will reveal this "dark" mystery. 

HoD P. 429 #2

Marlow opens his tale by insisting that the men reflect on the trials and tribulations of the Romans traveling from Europe ages ago. Appalled by the barbaric inhabitants, repulsive lifestyle, and depressing weather, the Romans’ endured a great deal for their current conditions because of their “Conquering mentality.” Hence the parallels drawn to Marlow’s story, one of colonizers seeking the African adventure. However, Marlow distinctly separates the Romans from himself by recalling their greedy objectives. I believe this challenge of taking what is necessary for self-indulgence rather than survival will become prominent in his personal narration into the Congo.  The story also suggests how the “Power of the situation” prevails, justifying man’s voracity, exposed by the pressures of endurance.