Heart of Darkness : Quotations
Heart of Darkness is a notable literary work by Joseph Conrad. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Heart of Darkness.
Quotations
Quotes
“Nothing but black shadows of disease and starvation.” – (Part I – Outer Station – Human Suffering)
Explanation: This shows the misery of natives in the Outer Station. They are starving and weak. It reflects the cruelty of imperialism.
“Incomprehensible, firing into a continent.” – (Part I – Outer Station – Futility of Empire)
Explanation: Marlow describes a French warship firing blindly at the forest. It shows senseless violence.
“Emissary of pity, science, and progress.” – (Part I – Central Station – Irony of Imperialism)
Explanation: The Brickmaker praises Kurtz as noble. But it is irony. In truth, Kurtz is greedy.
“The word ‘ivory’ rang in the air, was whispered, was sighed.” – (Part I – Central Station – Symbol of Greed)
Explanation: Everyone at the Central Station speaks of ivory. It becomes like prayer. Symbol of greed.
“An immense snake uncoiled.” – (Part I – Marlow’s First Sight of Congo River – Symbolism of Danger)
Explanation: Marlow compares the Congo River to a giant snake. Symbol of mystery and darkness.
“Kurtz sends in as much ivory as all the others put together.” – (Part I – Inner Station – Russian Trader about Kurtz)
Explanation: The Russian praises Kurtz’s power with ivory. Symbol of greed and domination.
“The horror! The horror!” – (Part III – Inner Station – Kurtz’s Death)
Explanation: Kurtz’s last words. Judgment on his life, imperialism, and mankind.
“The last word he pronounced was—your name.” – (Part III – Brussels – Marlow to the Intended)
Explanation: Marlow lies to the Intended. He hides “The horror!” and protects her dream. Contrast of illusion and truth.
“All Europe contributed to the making of Kurtz.” – (Part III – Inner Station – Narrator on Kurtz)
Explanation: Kurtz is not just a man. He is the product of Europe’s imperialism. Symbol of the whole system.
“An implacable force brooding over an inscrutable intention.” – (Part I – The Congo Jungle – Symbolism, Darkness)
Explanation: Marlow describes the African jungle with this line. The forest seems alive, mysterious, and threatening. It looks like nature has its own hidden purpose. The line shows the literal and symbolic darkness that covers the land.
“Like traveling back to the earliest beginnings of the world.” – (Part II – The Congo River – Symbolism, Mystery)
Explanation: Marlow says this while describing his journey up the Congo River. The river feels ancient, untouched, and full of mystery. It takes him away from modern life into a primeval world. The line shows the strangeness and danger of Africa.