The Heart Of Darkness: Symbolism

Symbolism has long been a tool of the storyteller, finding its
origins in the folklore of our earliest civilizations. In more recent years,
however, symbolism has taken on a new role, forming the skeleton upon which
the storyteller builds the tales of his or hers thoughts and adventures.
Knowing the power of this element, Joseph Conrad uses symbols to help the
reader explore dark interiors of men. The symbols become a vehicle that
carry the audience from stop to stop, the ride becoming an evaluation of
the darkness contained inside the hearts of mankind. Through the use of
Dark Africa as an overpowering symbol, Conrad's Heart of Darkness tells a
story that evaluates man's tendencies to ...

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shade of the original Kurtz frequented the beside of the hollow sham,
whose fate it was buried presently in the mold of primeval earth. But both
diabolic love and the unearthly hate of the mysteries it had penetrated
fought for the possession of that soul satisfied with primitive emotions,
avid of lying fame, of sham distinction, of all the appearances of success
and power"(Conrad 146).
Our enlightenment into the corruption of men's souls eventually
becomes complete when Marlow meets Kurtz and finds out what Kurtz has
really become, one with the land, devolved to a primitive state. Marlow
and Kurtz could be considered as two conditions of human nature, Kurtz
representing what man becomes when left to his own intrinsic devices to be
powerful, and Marlow being the untainted civilized soul who, as a leader,
has not been drawn to savagery.
Conrad moves on to create the image of Kurtz for the readers, and
the well-anticipated meeting with Marlow. As Marlow is ...

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The Heart Of Darkness: Symbolism. (2004, April 20). Retrieved January 17, 2021, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Heart-Of-Darkness-Symbolism/6543

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Added: 4/20/2004 06:56:53 AM
Category: Book Reports
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 764
Pages: 3

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