A FREUDIAN PERSPECTIVE ON COLONIALISM IN HEART OF DARKNESS

Abstract

This essay argues that Joseph Conrad wrote Heart of Darkness in order to shed light on what terrible crimes were committed in the colonies and what horrible things man is capable of. Further the essay attempts to show that Conrad wanted to reach his readers on a deeper level, and thus the novel is not propaganda but can be regarded as ambiguous. In the novel, the protagonist, Marlow, embarks on a journey that turns out to be much more of an inner than an outer journey. The essay shows that Conrad implicates his readers in Marlow’s journey and challenges their views along with Marlow. Conrad wishes for his novel to make an imprint in the time and place where the reading takes place. By comparing the experiences of the two main characters, Marlow and Kurtz (the second protagonist), the essay underlines the importance of self-knowledge as a theme in the novel. Additionally, the issue of racism will be discussed since it is impossible to omit racism when studying Heart of Darkness. I have studied the novel from a Freudian psychological perspective. The psychological approach seems suitable, since this is a tale where our different levels of consciousness, what is unknown to us within us, our psychological energy and strengths, are of great importance. The main reason for writing this essay is to contribute to a better understanding of the purpose of the novel and to encourage readers of Heart of Darkness to draw parallels with today’s exploitation of the developing countries and their people.