The Journey Within the Heart of Darkness 11Presentation Transcript

1. HEART OF DARKNESS THE JOURNEY WITHIN

2. INTRODUCTION
1. Heart of darkness, a novella by Joseph Conrad was published in 1902. It also appeared as three part series
in Blackwoods magazine. It is a significant work of English literature. Before writing this book Conrad had
gone to serve as the Captain of a Congo streamer.
3.
1. The theme of Darkness lurking beneath the surface of even civilized persons appears prominently that is
explored in the character of Kurtz and through Marlows passing sense of understanding with the Africans.
MAIN THEME
4.
1. Themes developed in the novella are various forms of darkness in the Congo; the British traders and
colonialists abuse of natives and mans potential of duplicity. There is a struggle between good and evil,
light and darkness in every (major) characters soul.
5.
1. The journey in the Heart of Darkness not only transverse the capricious waters spanning our physical
worlds but also the paradoxical ocean which exists in the heart of Everyman. It is a tale of mans realization
of his dark and evil side. Marlow, the second narrator of the framed narrative, embarked upon a spiritual
adventure on which he witnessed the wicked potential in Everyone.
6. The atmosphere in Conrads Heart of Darkness
1. Joseph Conrad uses mood and atmosphere a portrait called, the journey to the inner self to find ones own
self the setting took in the forest, the creek, the mud, the river-seemed to beckon with a dishonoring
flourish before the sunlit face of land a treacherous appeal to lurking death, to the hidden evil, to the
profound darkness of its heart. Conrad did not even mention their exact location which is very peculiar.
7. Spiritual voyage of self discovery
1. The central emphasis of Heart of Darkness concerns Marlow and his journey toward and through certain
facets and potentialities of self. He reiterates often enough that he is recounting a spiritual voyage of self
discovery. He didnt know himself before setting out, and that he likes work for the chance of it provides to
find yourself . . . what no other man can ever know.
8.
1. Marlows temptation is made concrete through his exposure to Kurtz, a white man and sometime idealist
who had fully responded to the wilderness: a potential and fallen self. I had turned to the wilderness
really, not to Mr. Kurtz. At the climax Marlow follows Kurtz ashore, confounds the beat of the drum with
the beating of his heart, goes through the ordeal of looking into Kurtzs mad soul, and brings him back to
the ship. He returns to Europe a changed and more knowing man.
9.
1. The river Congo is described in the form of a snake.
2. All the twists and turns are required to find
3. any ones inner self.
10.
1. Imagery is very insightful as there is a lot of animal and hell imagery that branches together to form the
main theme of the novel, the journey of finding ones self; the soul.
2. Except Kurtz and Marlow every character is of general names, perhaps it is the lost identity.
11.
1. In the long process of the journey into ones self, where not everything appears to be what it seems Kurtz is
a great example when he changes from a great musician to a corrupt by being swept up and digested
by the darkness. It is a dangerous and frightening journey; the journey within.
12.
1. Marlows journey to find his soul is filled with danger and a foul smell, the stench of mot knowing the area,
the people or himself. The unknown is the lurking death, to the hidden evil, to the profound darkness of
its heart this experiences are significant but no one really knows where they are.
13.
1. The voyage is indeed an inward one. One must face their unknown side to find themselves and their soul.
Kurtz who embarks on a harrowing night journey into the savage heart of Africa, only finds his dark and
evil soul.
14.
1. Conclusion
2. Heart of Darkness is a story of insecure and morally isolated men who meet and commit themselves to
even more isolated i.e. Marlows conversation with Kurtz at the edge of jungle. On the level of
psychological symbolism, communication is with a deepest self; a symbolic decent into the unconscious
result in immobilization and is followed by partial or full release.
15.
1. Certain degree of darkness is within every person. Marlow defeats his evil and gains self knowledge while
Kurtz is defeated by his darkness and falls prey to its wrath.