The title of the novel is allegorical. It has its symbolic meaning also. “Darkness” is the leading theme of the novel. Darkness overshadows almost everything in the novel. The uncivilized and wild attitude of the natives intensifies the darkness of fear and horror. When Marlow is attacked by the tribes, first he hears a cry that terrifies him and all the white men on the steamer. Something destructive is waiting for an opportunity. Marlow’s comment over the gesture of uncle who raised his arms and moved it towards the wilderness is quite significant: “I saw him extend his flipper of an arm for a gesture that took in the forest, the creek, the mud, the river, - seemed a beckon with a dishonoring flourish before the sunlight face of the land, a treacherous appeal to the lurking death, in the hidden evil, to the profound darkness of heart”. Mr.Krutz is the essence of savagery of the natives in the novel. Mr.Krutz .has identified himself with the natives. He starts taking participation in the customs, ceremonies, midnight dances etc. The darkness of Mr.Krutz’s heart gets itself fully liberated to work at his own will among the savages. His devilish passions get “abominable satisfaction” there and he himself becomes a part of the darkness of Congo. It is the literal darkness of Congo that has converted a civilized, enlightened man into a devil. The darkness of the Congo on the heart of its victim. Put these details together and you have the meaning for the title. What a fitting name.
The title of the novel is very complex and is very symbolic of the contents and meaning contained in the book. On a map Africa lies in the middle, almost where a heart would lie in the body. In the story Africa is the center of all mysterious, evil, and uncivilized things. I agree that "Darkness" is possibly the most important theme in the novel and that it reappears throughout the contents of the book. I believe that the title is a take of what will happen when a foreign person travels to Africa for an extended amount of time. An extended stay in Africa will darken your heart, crush your soul, and deteriorate your body.
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