Heart of Darkness Post #9

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.