Question: Analyse Conrad’s use of symbols in Heart of Darkness.
Ans. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad is replete with symbolic suggestions. From the very title to the end of the novel, we find an abundant use of symbols. The story is based on Marlow’s voyage to the Congo region, the dark continent of Africa. But through this narrative, almost like a parable, Conrad tries to convey the evasive and elusive truth underlying both historical facts and his personal experiences through powerful symbols.
The very title of the novel has a symbolic meaning in addition to its literal sense. Literally, the phrase “Heart of Darkness” refers to the inmost region of the dark country known as the Congo. Symbolically, it refers to the innermost region of the human mind—the dark recesses of the subconscious. Marlow’s journey to the dark continent symbolically signifies his descent into the depths of his own psyche.
Almost all the characters in Heart of Darkness carry symbolic significance. Mr. Kurtz, the central figure of the novel, symbolizes the white man’s greed for wealth, his commercial mentality, and his passion for power. He also represents a penitent sinner—a civilized man who is transformed into an evil force under the influence of barbarism and savagery. Marlow symbolizes the spirit of adventure, the love of knowledge, and a thoughtful observer of human life. He is a psychologist and a representative of civilization, yet he, too, comes under the influence of savage and primitive instincts.
Among the other characters, the Manager of the Central Station symbolizes inefficiency, spiritual emptiness, and moral barrenness. The Brick-maker, who acts as an informer to the Manager, symbolizes cunning and treachery. The white men described as “faithless pilgrims” represent the complete absence of faith, morality, and belief. They also symbolize the parasitic nature of the Belgian Trading Company. The cannibal crew, who refrain from killing the white men to satisfy their hunger despite severe starvation, symbolize remarkable self-restraint.
There are also several symbolic objects and scenes in the novel. Ivory, for instance, signifies the white men’s greed for wealth. It is ivory that motivates them to enter the dark region of the Congo, and for its sake they do not hesitate to kill even one another. Many of the sights witnessed by Marlow during his journey also have symbolic significance. For example, the French warship firing aimlessly into the forest and the blasting of rocks with gunpowder symbolize futile and meaningless action.
Thus, Heart of Darkness is rich in symbolism. It is through the effective and appropriate use of symbols that Conrad successfully conveys the central themes of his novel to the readers.
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