Discuss your views on the racism inherent (or not) in
Conrad’s novella. What implications does
this have for reading, teaching, and its place in the canon?
Given the
context of the time in which Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness was
written, it would not be a wild reach to assume that the author was indeed a
tad bit racist, or at least somewhat prejudiced in his racial beliefs. The entire novel is centered on the concept
of whites versus the blacks; the civilized versus the savage. Although it is important to keep in mind that
what an author writes does not necessarily reflect his views, there is an
abundant amount of textual evidence hinting at the prejudice of narrator. When speaking of a black villager who has
actually gotten a “white” job, Marlow states, “to look at him was as edifying
as seeing a dog in a parody of breeches and a feather hat, walking on his hind
legs.” Along with the apparent free use
of the “n” word, there is at least a lack of respect for African civilization
represented throughout the novel. That
being said, although I do not agree with the views of Marlow and possibly
Conrad, I am still able to enjoy the book for what it is: a striking and
controversial piece of art. Any comment
that is made and every opinion that is states have the chance of offending at
least one person, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have any merit. Being exposed to more opinions, in my
opinion, is a very good thing. The more
opinions one is exposed to, the more he or she is able to form an educated
opinion.
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