Explanation: “We penetrated deeper and deeper into the heart of darkness.”
Or,
“We were wanderers on a prehistoric earth, on an earth that wore the aspect of an unknown planet.”
Exp. This extract has been taken from the short novel Heart of Darkness, written by Joseph Conrad. Here, Marlow narrates his experience of the extraordinary journey by steamer through the Congo River to the Inner Station of the Belgian Trading Company.
Marlow derives considerable satisfaction from his success in navigating the stream in the ramshackle steamer. At times, the vessel gets stuck in the shallow muddy banks of the river. Then the natives, who act as the crew, have to get down and push it until it floats again. Nevertheless, Marlow is satisfied that he has managed to keep the steamer afloat.
The Manager of the Station from where the journey begins is also accompanying Marlow. Besides the Manager, there are three or four other white men on board the steamer. The steamer moves very slowly, like a sluggish beetle crawling along the floor of a building. The slow movement of the steamer gives the men on board the feeling that they are lost. Gradually, the steamer seems to penetrate deeper and deeper into the heart of darkness.
At night, at times, the sound of drums beating can be heard from the interior of the forest. Whether these sounds signify war, peace, or simply prayers to the gods, Marlow cannot determine. He only feels that he and his companions are wanderers on a prehistoric earth or on an unknown planet. In that dark region of the Congo, the earth itself appears strange and unearthly.
Literally, Marlow undertakes a journey through the dark region of Africa, the Congo. Metaphorically, this journey represents an exploration into the dark recesses of the human psyche.
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