Imagery, Symbolism and Motif in Heart of Darkness

In this extract taken from the Novella, Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad explores many elements. Conrad uses a framing narrative; Marlow’s narrative is framed by another narrative, in which the reader listens to Marlow’s story told through one of those listening. The narrator remains unnamed as do the other listeners. The narration is told in the first-person plural, letting the reader know what each of the four listeners are thinking and feeling. It could be interpreted that the anonymity of the narrator represents the conventional perspective of an outsider, someone not involved. One of the key aspects in the Novella is the way in which Conrad explores the depths of imagery, motif and symbolism. Arguably the biggest motif explored in†¦show more content†¦The symbolism of light and darkness could also emphasise the mental disintegration that we witness, as a result of one being removed from their normal social surroundings. â€Å"They were men enough to face the darkness†, Conrad insinuates the possibility of this â€Å"darkness† taking over one’s mind. Conrad emphasises the darkness within mankind that is beneath the surface. He explores this through the characters of Marlow himself and Kurtz. He repeatedly forewarns of those â€Å"who tackle a darkness† and arguably Conrad uses darkness as a metaphor, perhaps signifying the inability to see. It could be interpreted as Marlow’s inability to see and understand others. Towards the end of the extract, the narrator repeats the disturbing line that Marlow says, â€Å"The fascination of the abomination – you know. Imagine the growing regrets, the longing to escape, the powerless disgust, the surrender, the hate.† Marlow looks at things from the perspective of a Roman sea-captain, emphasising the idea that he’s drawn to the darkness in the savage life and ultimately fills with hate when he surrenders to it. This again ultimately foreshadows what is to come of Kurtz and even Marlow himself. Conrad uses comparisons between interiors and exteriors emphasising Marlow’s interest in surfaces and surface meaning. Marlow speaks of his surroundings, â€Å"Sandbanks, marshes, forests, savages†; he doesn’t delve deeper through the surface. The Novella expands between ‘good’ and ‘evil’ andShow MoreRelatedBanana Yoshimotos Kitchen Summary1312 Words   |  6 Pagesthese orals can help you discover new ways of answering questions you asked prior to the talk. When reading Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto, one may wonder how the contrast between the motifs light and dark is utilized to develop the storyline. 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