Analyze the symbolism and meaning of 'darkness' in Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad.

Kurtz is described as being "hollow at the core" and as having "gone mad". The darkness that surrounds Kurtz is a metaphor for the moral decay of the European colonizers and their imperialist ideology.The symbolism of darkness also extends to Marlow himself. Throughout the novel, Marlow is haunted by his own psychological darkness. He is confronted with the brutal realities of colonialism and is forced to question his own morality. Marlow is torn between his idealistic beliefs and the harsh realities of the African wilderness. The darkness that surrounds him is a metaphor for his own internal struggle.The darkness serves as a commentary on the European powers' belief in their own superiority and their willingness to exploit and oppress other cultures. The darkness also highlights the racism that was inherent in the colonial enterprise. The African characters in the novel are portrayed as primitive and exotic, and their stories are told through the lens of the white European colonizers. Finally, the darkness is a metaphor for the human condition itself. The novel suggests that all humans possess a dark side, and that this darkness can consume us if we are not careful (Sarvan, 1980).Finally, darkness is used as a key motif to highlight the psychological journey that Marlow undergoes in the novel. Throughout the novel, Conrad introduces different elements of darkness that Marlow encounters, representing different stages of his psychological development. The author uses darkness to symbolize the danger and fear that Marlow faces as he travels down the Congo River. Marlow initially sees darkness as a threat, but as he continues his journey, he develops a better understanding of it.Thus, the symbolism of darkness in Heart of Darkness is a powerful and multi-dimensional theme. It is used to convey a variety of meanings, including the physical darkness of the jungle, the moral darkness of the European colonizers, and the psychological darkness within Marlow himself. The symbolism of darkness contributes to the overall themes of imperialism, racism, and human nature, and serves as a commentary on the harsh realities of colonialism. Through the use of vivid imagery and powerful symbolism, Conrad creates a work of literature that is both haunting and thought-provoking.This novel's central theme, therefore, is the exploration of the depths of human nature, and the consequences of the unrestrained human thirst for power and wealth.ReferencesFirchow, Peter Edgerly. Envisioning Africa: Racism and Imperialism in Conrad's Heart of Darkness.University Press of Kentucky, 2000.Hawkins, Hunt. "Conrad's Critique of Imperialism in Heart of Darkness."Pmla 94.2 (1979): 286-299.Sarvan, Charles P. "Racism and the Heart of Darkness." International Fiction Review (1980).Stark, Bruce R. "Kurtz's intended: The heart of Heart of Darkness." Texas Studies in Literature and Language 16.3 (1974): 535-555.