What is the importance of ivory throughout the novel? How
does it function as both a literal and figurative image?
Ivory drives the plot of this book. For one thing, ivory is
the only reason the colonial powers (and the Company) have any interest in the
Congo. It is also why Kurtz desires to stay in the interior. So the book needs
to be viewed on that level first and foremost.
The next layer down is viewing ivory as a symbol of
something. Most clearly and directly, it is a symbol of Interventionism and
colonization—of greed and of exploration. King Leopold II killed an estimated
ten million Africans in order to keep control of the Congo and to keep the
ivory and rubber supply lines open. Ivory has caused (and still causes—think poaching)
lots of evil in the world. So it works well as a symbol for that.
But on a metaphorical level, ivory seems to represent Imperialism.
Early in the story, the characters play dominoes made of ivory—showing the level
of their luxury. And also, Kurtz is described multiple times as ivory (in
description of his skin color). This obviously contrasts with the dark jungle
and the skin of the natives. Personally, I didn't really think this novel was
racist but if one reads it that way then it would be easy to contrast the value
of the ivory to the (as the characters see it) worthlessness of the natives.
Light versus dark. The argument could be made that the whole book is about
removing the light from the heart of darkness.
What many fail to realize is that ivory is the main focus of the novel. Conrad goes on to create a setting where he can illuminate the appalling nature of imperialism. I too agree that this book was not racist and the focus was on the value of the ivory. Your reference to the ivory dominoes reveals how valuable these materialistic items were in contrast to the "savages." White Englishmen held little value for “natives” and simply sought plentiful amounts of ivory. This reveals the main idea of imperialism in the presence of grotesque conditions.
ReplyDeleteWhat many fail to realize is that ivory is the main focus of the novel. Conrad goes on to create a setting where he can illuminate the appalling nature of imperialism. I too agree that this book was not racist and the focus was on the value of the ivory. Your reference to the ivory dominoes reveals how valuable these materialistic items were in contrast to the "savages." White Englishmen held little value for “natives” and simply sought plentiful amounts of ivory. This reveals the main idea of imperialism in the presence of grotesque conditions.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your conclusion that ivory drives the plot of the book. It is the reason for the setting and storyline. The colonists desire to explore the Congo purely for territory and riches (ivory). Kurtz is even entirely consumed by the prospect of acquiring more and more ivory for himself. Ivory is also a very important symbol in this novel, and the fact that it is white enhances this symbolism. It is the white imperialists who are on the conquest for ivory, is it not? This white ivory also relates to the “light versus dark” theme of the entire novel.
ReplyDeleteFurther, it is interesting to see how willing some white people are to venture into this land to secure the ivory, prioritizing this material wealth far above their own personal safety. this material drives them to kill, abuse, and degrade the native people. perhaps they seem so savage because their motives are different, more so than their physical differences it is the cultural priorities that foster misunderstanding more than any practical difference in the whites and natives.
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