Heart of Darkness Theme of Man and the Natural World

Nature and civilization rather decisively represent the dichotomy of "primitive" non-Europeans and "cultured" Europeans. "Civilization" comes to refer to the supposed enlightenment and refinement of the Western world. The British imperialists feel their conceptions of black "savagery" are confirmed when the native Africans attack the pilgrims and reveal their cannibalism. The white Europeans seek to tame these Africans with "civilization," but the notion becomes problematic when "noble altruism" acts as a shield for blind imperialism. The white men who call their actions altruistic are quickly recognized by the readers as hypocrites.

1. At first glance, what does civilization represent? What does nature represent? Does this distinction hold true as the novel progresses?
2. How does the concept of civilization become problematic as the novel progresses? How are the Company’s attempts to ‘civilize’ the Africans hypocritical?
3. If nature is madness-inducing, what does this say about human nature, especially the native Africans?
4. How do different aspects of nature, especially the river and the jungle, become characters in their own right? What is nature’s attitude towards man?

In Heart of Darkness, natural forces have a will of their own and prove themselves hostile towards the white pilgrims.