Comment on the meaning and significance of the title “Heart of Darkness.”

Answer

Comment on the meaning and significance of the title “Heart of Darkness.” [NU: 2016, 19] ★★★

Or, How does Joseph Conrad explore the different shades of meanings of “Darkness” in the novel “Heart of Darkness?

Joseph Conrad’s (1857-1924) “Heart of Darkness” (1899) is not just a travel tale. The title holds deep meaning. “Heart” means the center. “Darkness” means evil, corruption, and fear. Through Marlow’s journey, the title shows Africa, imperialism, and the human soul.

The Darkness of Africa: Marlow sails on the steamboat into the Congo. The river is long and winding. The jungle is dark and mysterious. He calls it,

“An implacable force brooding over an inscrutable intention.” 

This shows Africa as a “heart of darkness.” It is a place unknown, full of fear. Each step deeper into the jungle is a step deeper into danger. The setting itself justifies the title.

The Darkness of Imperialism: The title also means the cruelty of European rule. In Brussels, Marlow calls the city the “White Sepulchre.” This is hypocrisy. The empire talks of light and progress, but brings death. At the Outer Station, he sees starving Africans. At the Central Station, men whisper only of ivory. At the Inner Station, Kurtz rules with skulls on stakes. The “heart” of imperialism is only greed and horror.

The Darkness of the Human Soul: Most deeply, the title means the evil inside man. Kurtz is the best example. Once, he was an, 

“Emissary of pity and science and progress.”

But in the jungle, he loses his morality. He becomes cruel and empty. At death, he cries, 

“The horror! The horror!” 

These words show the inner darkness of humanity.

Thus, the title “Heart of Darkness” is rich in meaning. It shows the literal darkness of Africa, the political darkness of the empire, and the moral darkness in men like Kurtz. It is a perfect title.