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An important aspect of any story is the setting that the reader can imagine. The atmosphere that is created, very much adds to the general theme and the relationship between the characters and the surrounding environment. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad is a story where the setting plays a great role in the development of events and delivers a tone that is very unique and specific to the different situations. It also connects to higher moral themes that relate to human nature and culture in a specific period.
The story Heart of Darkness was chosen because it unites the darkness of the jungle with the darkest parts of the human soul. The reader begins to feel the heavy atmosphere, as soon as Marlow starts his journey on the boat. The eerie surroundings, unknown land and people who are much different from the known world make the setting very foreign. The journey represents a world where evil forces rule and lead people into the most ruthless and violent actions.
The author has done a great job showing how the atmosphere and a persons greed for power can result in madness and obsession. Most importantly, the journey is the travel inside a mans soul where the darkest corners are observed and cannot be lighted. In such a world people discover their true identities and those of others. From the very beginning, when Marlow sees the doctor before he starts his journey, he has his head measured and is being asked seemingly ridiculous questions.
The doctor clarifies that he has a theory about the type of people who travel to such placesthey are characterized by psychological irregularities (Conrad 77). This represents a cultural predisposition towards individuals who are considered to be mentally unstable in difficult times. The story points to a significant part of human societies and demonstrates that many nations have gone through similar hardships and inequalities.
The Heart of Darkness describes a journey into the land of horror and pain, and this is representative of the peoples deepest emotions and outlook on life. It is interesting that even standing in one place an individual can delve into the deepest parts of their heart and mind, yet find no comfort and outlet of their feelings. Similar stories are mostly centered on the surrounding environment, and the peoples manifestation of their thoughts only adds to the general theme of darkness, as well as loneliness and cruelty of the beliefs and peoples characters.
Even though the events might seem fictional or mysterious, they all have a connection to real life and the demands of the time and culture. Even though it is made obvious that people are not the rulers of their lives and forces of nature, they take advantage of others by enslaving and depriving.
The insignificance of human individuality and the efforts are made obvious by how rough conditions can direct and force people into a situation that so desperately must be avoided. The darkness of the stories confirms that people have no control over human nature and greed, as it is one of the main determinants in the forceful colonization and wars (Booth, 2012).
The author of The Heart of Darkness has realistically illustrated how the surrounding environment overtakes the lives of individuals and robs them of almost all control. The connection to reality is very vivid and the circumstances can be physically felt. More importantly, the norms and goals of society are clearly illustrated as being savage but are made out to be civilized. Even in the present time, there are places in the world that are not unlike The Heart of Darkness .
Works Cited
Booth, Andrew. Systematic Approaches to a Successful Literature Review. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE, 2012. Print.
Conrad, Joseph. The Heart of Darkness. Orchard Park, NY: Broadview Press, 1999. Print.
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