Heart of Darkness Analysis - Coursework Example

Heart of Darkness Analysis Affiliation Heart of the Darkness is a story about Marlow a sailor who goes on a journey up the Congo River to meet Kurtz, a man with great abilities. Conrad tries to bring out realism and romantic tradition of contemporaries in Heart of Darkness in pursuit of wealth. Romantic tradition is brought out when Marlow sympathizes with Kurtz, and he entrust him with his private documents (Conrad, 1902). Marlow regrets telling lies to Kurtz’s wife about his last words before death.

He is happy after comforting Kurtz’s wife through the lie. Conrad in his writing and through his main character Marlow exaggerates stories especially on the sailing journey in search of Kurtz. The power he gives Mr. Kurtz is too much as he is worshiped even when nearing death. Conrad also uses the idea of being a captain of a steamer, which he used to transport Kurtz to Belgium although Kurtz died on the way. He also participates in slavery as he wanted to capture the wealth of Kurtz, which was acquired through slave labor.

Realism in Conrad’s work refers to the complications of a civilized society such as clothing is, restraining from gluttony, and criticizing of slavery. Conrad is realistic, as he adores wealth especially when he seized the documents belonging to Kurtz after his death. He gave out the unimportant documents to the three people who called him asking for the documents and kept the rest. Marlow is not blinded by the tradition of the people especially the ones that worship Kurtz as their god (Conrad, 1902).

Marlow tends to his machine of civilization, the steamer and is ruled by the clock just like civilized people. He also criticizes the trading of slaves and slavery and condemns colonialism, which was rampant. He does not understand the reason people bow down to worship a human being as their God even at his dying time. References Conrad, J. (1902). Typhoon. New York: G.P. Putnams Sons.