All throughout Heart of Darkness Conrad uses Marlow to demean and belittle the natives in such a way that it seems as if they lose their humanity. Marlow calls the people "savages," "poor devils," and "specimen." In one encounter, he even compares "the savage" to "a dog in a parody of breeches." His crude and abominable usage of the phrase "nigger" makes many readers cringe, especially when it is closely followed by the description of "human animal." While inwardly the reader is disgusted and offended at this language, the frequent usage of these terms creates a sense of numbness. After reading the book for an extended period of time, standards and a sense of verbal morality seem to fade away. Thus, this makes the reader succumb to the view of Marlow; they begin to not see the malice in Marlow's words. No longer is the reader stunned by harsh words. They have become a normality.
This makes the characterization very complex. If one is able to maintain a moral view of the events occurring in the novel, one sees the natives as persecuted and overpowered. The reader is then able to see the true brutality of the English men. This then creates a negative character for the white men, for they are seen as the villains who will do whatever they please to get what they desire. On the contrary, if one maintains a view like Marlow the reader will begin to view the natives not as people, but as unearthly creatures. The reader then begins to see the barbaric, ancient, crude manners of the native people. They are no longer regarded as human beings, but as animals and aliens which must be tamed. They no longer possess any dignity, but instead are a problem which must be dealt with.
While there are faults on either side and view, one thing is clear. Ignorance is abundant in both the Englishmen and the natives in this novel. While the natives are brute and ferocious and do not seem to have a moral standard, the Englishmen view themselves to be so high and mighty that they have the power to judge a fellow man. They have the audacity to force themselves onto a foreign land and people in a violent manner solely for their own desires. While the jungle may seem to be "the Heart of Darkness," there is certainly darkness inside the heart of the Englishmen.
Ginny,
ReplyDeleteI love how you discussed a "numbness" and moral standards fading away. This parallels to violent movies and video games in the younger generations desensitizing them to violence in society. Furthermore, I agree that this makes the moral view in the story complex. It makes the reader unsure of whether the intentions of the author is to express racism or to combat it. I believe this novel combats racism, but many others disagree. I enjoyed your response - Dana Sharma
I thoroughly enjoyed your response and argument. Our views clash but this does not mean I cannot agree with you in some way. I contend that the words used to describe these native people seek to further illuminate the imperialistic power of the invading Englishmen. I agree that Marlow's comments were rather harsh and racist but Conrad sought to demonstrate how Englishmen held the worth of ivory over all else. His racist comments demonstrated the priorities of the Englishmen. The degradation that the natives experience further cements the main idea of imperialism. Great response to the prompt!
ReplyDeleteI think your description of the desensitization of readers during the reading of this novella was spot on! This is something that many people who create works with extreme content play into. Often, it tests the audience's morals and makes them question right and wrong. However, it pretty clear to see who is wrong on both sides in this story. Speaking of both sides, excellent job comparing them and pointing out the faults that the Englishmen and Natives have. It definitely provides an interesting perspective. Also, your closing sentence was the best possible way to end such a strong response.
ReplyDeleteI agree wholeheartedly with your analysis of this question. The use of the racist and crude language was to contribute to the dehumanization of the natives in order to show them as objects and make them appear disposable. It is sickening to think that people can see another person like that. The idea of repetition becoming normality is a point in the novella I believe is often brushed over although it is important. I also agree with your point that both the Englishman and the natives have issues and flaws in their ways. I thought your response was very insightful as well as accurate.
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