In What sense is Conrad Both Imperialist and Anti-Imperialist?

Answer

According to Edward Said, in what sense is Conrad both imperialist and anti-imperialist? 

A prominent literary critic and scholar, Edward Said (1935-2003) was renowned for his groundbreaking work on imperialism and culture. His analysis in “Culture and Imperialism” (1993) highlights the dual nature of Joseph Conrad’s (1857-1924) stance toward imperialism. Conrad, a Polish-British writer, is seen as both an imperialist and an anti-imperialist. This apparent contradiction lies at the heart of Conrad’s works, such as “Heart of Darkness” (1899). Here, imperialism is both exposed and, in some ways, accepted.

Critique of Imperialism: Conrad’s novels often severely critique imperialism. In “Heart of Darkness,” Conrad highlights the brutality and exploitation inherent in European colonial practices. Through the character of Marlow, the narrator, readers witness the destructive impact of European expansion on both the colonized people and the colonizers themselves. Marlow narrates this scene as follows:

Scene of inhabited devastation.

Said notes that Conrad was critical of the greed, dehumanization, and violence perpetuated by imperial forces. He describes Conrad’s stance as a subtle and stern analysis of imperial rule’s flaws. However, Conrad remained bound by his time’s prevailing views.

The “Civilizing Mission” Justification: Conrad’s conflicted view of imperialism is also evident in his portrayal of the so-called “civilizing mission.” Marlow reflects the European view that the uncivilized Africans are somehow inhuman. It is apparent in the following line of the novel.

Well … that was the worst of it—this suspicion of their not being inhuman.

However, the author not only exposes the hypocrisy and violence of European colonial powers but also suggests imperialism as a justified system. He says that because it serves “an idea” of bringing civilization to “barbaric” lands. Said points out that this paradox is central to understanding Conrad’s dual role as both an imperialist and an anti-imperialist.

The Historical and Cultural Constraints of Conrad: Conrad’s position can also be explained by the historical and cultural constraints of his time. Said argues that the realities of the 19th-century world ultimately shaped Conrad’s vision. During that time, imperialism was deeply embedded in European identity and literature. It is evident in the following quotation.

Without empire … there is no European novel as we know it.

Said notes that Conrad was unable or unwilling to imagine the liberation of subjugated peoples. This reflects the broader intellectual atmosphere of his time.

The Tension Between Domination and Resistance: In his analysis, Said emphasizes the tension between imperialist domination and resistance. Conrad’s works reflect this tension, showing both the oppressive power of the imperialists and the resistance of the colonized. However, Conrad’s portrayal of the natives is often limited and one-dimensional. Said observes that Conrad’s narratives, while critical, still rely on a framework that views Europeans as central and the colonized as secondary.

Inability to Envision Freedom for the Colonized: Despite his criticism of imperialism, Conrad could not imagine true freedom for the colonized. Said argues that Conrad was “a creature of his time,” indicating that Conrad’s perspective was limited by the cultural and historical context in which he lived. The possibility of self-rule for colonized nations was unthinkable to him. Said writes, 

Conrad could not grant his natives their freedom, despite his severe critique of the imperialism that enslaved them.

In conclusion, Edward Said’s analysis of Joseph Conrad reveals a complex and contradictory figure. This figure critiques the horrors of imperialism while remaining tied to the ideologies that sustain it. Through a profound examination of Conrad’s works, Said demonstrates how the author’s perspective was shaped by both his critical awareness and the limitations of his historical context.