Heart of Darkness Theme of Race

The divide of the races into black and white adds complexity to Conrad’s theme of light versus darkness and good versus evil. The conventional use of white as good and black as evil is clearly challenged when we view it through the lens of race, particularly when we see white men brutally subjugating and forcing black Africans into hard labor simply for profit. The Europeans justify their mistreatment of the Africans with claims of "spreading civilization," of helping Africans become "enlightened." This, in itself, is a form of prejudice – a denial of the Africans’ traditional lifestyle and culture.

1. How are the differences between white and black people depicted in Heart of Darkness? What kinds of activities does each group participate in?
2. How does light and dark imagery apply racially? What does this say morally about each group of people as portrayed in Heart of Darkness?
3. What kinds of white European expectations does Marlow bring into his journey up the Congo? How are they dispelled? Look specifically at the examples of the accountant, manager, brickmaker, and Kurtz. What is Marlow’s attitude towards the native Africans?
4. How is Kurtz’s attitude towards the black Africans ambiguous? How might he be viewed as the ultimate symbol of imperialism and black subjugation? Alternatively, how might he be read as the exact opposite?

Despite white Europe’s good intentions towards the Africans and their desire to "civilize" the black man, imperialism proves to be a brutal and callous victimization of the native Africans for the sole purpose of maximizing profits.

Despite Kurtz’s brutality, he treats the Africans more civilly and more as equals than the majority of the other white European characters (like the accountant, the manager, and even Marlow). This is why Marlow sees him as the lesser of two evils.