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Congo River Symbolism

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Congo River Symbolism
Many symbols are seen throughout the novel Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. However, one striking symbol seen in this novel is the Congo River. Joseph Conrad would actually travel up the Congo River. He would later base Heart of Darkness off of this adventure. This river plays a vital role in this novel. The Congo River allows access to the interior of Africa. It is also the means by which Europeans can enter the region. One way this river can be seen as symbolic is that it acts as a divider. The river divides the region so that Marlow is separated from the natives and also from Kurtz. This helps Marlow see both sides of the continent. As a result Marlow would be able to see both sides of the situation. It helps him see the good of the
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