Friday, March 27, 2015
Heart of Darkness: Prompt 18
The answer to the question proposed by the strange nature of the title Heart of Darkness is a relatively simple one. The story takes place in the Congo which just so happens to be the heart of the African jungle and due to the overgrown nature of the jungle, not much light makes it through to what is below. However, this is only the most literal meaning. There are quite a few other interpretations that fit perfectly with the subject matter of the novella. The darkness may also be referencing the dark nature of the imperialism of the time that is showcased in the novel. The title may also be referencing the darkness that can overtake the heart when a person gains too much power. It is pretty much common knowledge that when a person is given too much power they become corrupted and misuse said power allowing the darkness that resides within themselves to play into their actions. This is the situation that plays out through much of Heart of Darkness.
I also noticed the "heart of the jungle" notion as well, I agree that due to that being the setting this does draw in attention to the setting bonding with the actions. Imperialism is also something that I noted in reference to darkness. The idea of darkness taking over the heart when it is fueled with too much power defines reality. This is something that humans battle every day with themselves, therefore resulting in being true. I too believe that this is the largest point in why the story gets it's title. Once the heart is taken over with power, there is no turning back.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that power begins to darken their hearts; power is the great corrupter. Also, it is certainly referencing the dark backdrop of the jungle. The more time Kurtz spends in the jungle, the more he starts to become it. He becomes dark and dense with power, and the heart of the jungle in all its forested darkness is a nice way to underline the Kurtz' own darkness.
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