What does the knitting of black wool in “Heart of Darkness” signify?
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.
Answer
What does the knitting of black wool in “Heart of Darkness” signify? [NU: 2017]
Joseph Conrad’s (1857-1924) “Heart of Darkness” (1899) is full of symbols. One strange but powerful symbol is the knitting of black wool. Marlow sees it in Brussels when he goes to the Company office. Two old women sit quietly, knitting black wool. This small scene gives a deep meaning to the story.
Symbol of Death and Fate: When Marlow first visits Brussels, he sees two women knitting. He says,
“Two women, one fat and the other slim, sat on straw-bottomed chairs, knitting black wool.”
Black wool is linked to death. It looks like mourning clothes or a funeral shroud. The women remind us of the Fates from Greek myth, who spin the thread of life and cut it. They seem to guard the gate of death. For Marlow, going to Congo is like stepping into death.
Symbol of Empire’s Darkness: The women do not smile. They do not speak much. Their work is endless. Marlow feels uneasy. He calls Brussels the “White Sepulchre.” But inside, he sees black wool being made. This is irony. The city looks bright but hides darkness. The wool becomes a symbol of the empire’s cruelty and its shadow over Africa.
Symbol of Human Powerlessness: The women do not stop their knitting. Marlow feels they know something. He says,
“She seemed to know all about them and about me too.”
Their silence shows that people like Marlow are only small figures in a larger plan. The empire, like the women, weaves human lives into black fate. Nobody can resist.
The knitting of black wool is a small scene. Yet it shows death, darkness, and powerlessness. Through this symbol, Conrad reminds us that imperialism is not progress but a path to death and despair.