Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness presents two main themes, which are relevant to the story. The first of which is imperialism and the second is racism. This novel takes place in the late 1800’s on the Congo River in Africa, which Conrad uses to help illustrate these two themes. Charlie Marlow, the main character, is a sea captain whose exploration leads him to Africa on a freshwater navigation. Marlow’s journey from the continent of Europe to the continent of Africa was quite a difference. The well-developed land of Belgium compared to the primitive society along the Congo played a big part in Marlow’s view of racism. The one main goal that Marlow tries to accomplish in this novel is his search for Kurtz, who is a successful ivory agent.Marlow is considered a racist, which is clearly displayed when he arrives in Africa. “They were dying slowly-it was clearer. They were not enemies, they were not criminals, they were nothing earthly now, nothing but black shadows of disease and starvation, lying confusedly in the greenish gloom” (Conrad, 14). What Marlow was witnessing was basically the same as what the slaves went through in America. As they were under European control in the Congo, the slaves had no rights. Marlow also uses the word “nigger” a great deal in this novel, which certainly is a clear indication of his racism. The other main theme which is expressed a great deal is the idea of imperialism. Europeans have always been used to conquering other countries that are less industrialized or less advanced. Marlow saw this in his journey to Africa, which also triggered his racist attitudes. The ivory trade in Africa was a major part of the imperialism by Europe. Europe would do whatever it took to seize what they most desired, even conquering many of the Africans, and making them slaves. Between the years of 1880 and 1900 Britain, France, Germany and Italy all had some sor...
