Heart of Darkness foreshadowing

Answer 1

The true darkness in this novella is the way the "pilgrims" and Beligians treat the natives. Kurtz is upfront about his "methods" in gaining ivory (he gets it from the natives by force). It is a quest to the heart of darkness, beginning at the outer station, to the central station, and finally ends at the inner station where it is most evident of the darkness. There are native's heads as fence posts around the station.

AnswerI disagree with the evaluation above. I think it goes further than the treatment of the natives, although the inhumanity of the truculent Europeans is part of it. Conrad's main criticism in the novella is of imperialism ― the greed and corruption that flows so naturally from a conquest of money (ivory) and subjugation of natives is the true darkness within the men.

Kurtz is an extreme example of the effects of Imperialism: he declared himself "god" over the natives and sacrificed them ruthlessly to maintain his power. But even though Kurtz oppresses the natives by virtue of his height and pallor, the readers see him emaciated and broken, only a shadow of what people described as a genius, artist, and musician. This is the true ability of imperialism to warp and mutilate men and is the "darkness" that Conrad describes.

Answer 2

In "Heart of Darkness," foreshadowing is used to hint at the dark themes and events that will unfold later in the story. For example, Marlow's encounter with the mysterious and ominous Kurtz foreshadows the darkness and brutality that he represents. Additionally, the dense fog on the river symbolizes the moral ambiguity and confusion that will characterize Marlow's journey into the heart of Africa.

Answer 3

The meaning of darkness evolves as the story progresses in Joseph Conrad's novella, Heart of Darkness. At first the audience is led to believe that darkness refers to the absence of what makes Western culture 'civilized'; technology, communication, relationships, etc. In this way, the meaning is a physical reference. As Marlow travels further and further in to the Congo, he gets deeper into the heart of darkness.

As Marlow journey continues, he is exposed to the immoral methods of the Company in their quest for power and profit. Thus, another meaning of darkness is revealed. The true nature of humanity is revealed when the constraints of civilization are removed, as allowed in the isolated Congo.

Answer 4

Heart of darkness foreshadows many things.

Answer 5

Joseph Conrad.