I would have to say that Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness has been my favorite read this semester. The author takes the reader on a journey of truth and illustrates the inane ways in which we humans can resolve doing wrong to someone for the good of self or others. Also the reader is given a glimpse of the darkness that is within and how some characters deal with that darkness. As we are shown with Company’s chief accountant, “I met a white man, in such in such an unexpected elegance….(pg 1902 of text),” this man who had been there for three years in the jungle surrounded by dirt, dust, and decay still held onto proper English attire with a defiant air. As the story moves we are introduced to other characters that are slipping over the edge. Until we meet Kurtz and man of legendary stature. Surely one who will go far in the company but one who has lost all English sensibilities and embraced the dark savageness of his nature. And it all started because he wanted to earn his fortune so as to be worthy enough to marry his “Intended.” But I ask you. Who is the real savage? The Kurtz full of English propriety or the Africanized Kurtz, which one are you? I think that Conrad wanted readers to take that journey of self examination and question what their motives are and how the motivations can affect the others around. And also what gives us the right to do such a thing?
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