What Does Joseph Conrad Criticize Imperialism

oseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness is a novel about European imperialism and its far-reaching aims, methods, and effects. The author, Conrad, presents his own personal opinions through his central character, Marlow, who learns a great deal about imperialism while on a journey to the African Congo, and through his search for the infamous Kurtz throughout the novel. Although Heart of Darkness seems to be an anti-imperialistic work, this is not entirely true. Rather, Conrad criticizes the exaggerated romantic notion of imperialism. The novel begins with a discussion between Marlow and those accompanying him on the boat, concerning the idealistic imperialism of conquerors, especially that of the English, who were "bearers of a spark from the sacred …show more content…
Then again, "you can't judge Mr. Kurtz as you would an ordinary man" reminds the Russian sailor, and indeed Kurtz is a larger-than-life superhero throughout much of Joseph Conrad's story. The darkness in Kurtz's heart is so strongly suggested that the reader believes him to represent the idea of imperialism, rather than simply the common imperialist. Taking Kurtz as the picture of the imperialist idea in its prime, the reader is left to see that the hearts of imperialism and Africa both contain corresponding, negative …show more content…
It is unconsciously revealed in the brick maker's comment on Kurtz: "He is an emissary of pity, and science, and progress, and the devil knows what else." Although somewhat questionable, this statement hints that there is more truth in the darkness within the heart of Kurtz, and in turn in that of imperialism, then can be seen immediately on the surface. Certainly Kurtz set out aiming to bring some good values to the Congo, and thus is reaching for the goals of many others looking to do the same, but so much is unknown about what he brings to accompany such progress and enlightenment. But for all the darkness of Africa, it could not elicit any dark reactions from Kurtz and the imperial idea if they did not already contain shady moral elements. The often skeptic Marlow, whose voice is left uninterrupted by Conrad during most of his narrative, is not consumed by the same weaknesses as Kurtz is. "He had stepped over the edge; while I had been permitted to hold back my hesitating foot." Marlow knows that the great imperial mission is tainted by something inherent in its constitution. Africa is a dark place where people like Kurtz cannot restrain themselves when egged on by some unknown shared, immoral