In Heart of Darkness, there is a real contrast
between what is light and what is dark. These contrasts work within the
reality of what is considered civilized and uncivilized. The light representing
civilization or the civilized side of the world and the dark representing
the uncivilized or savage side of the world. Throughout the book, there
are several references to these two contrasts. In Conrad's novel, black
and white have the usual connotations of evil and good. The settings also
plays a critical role in describing how Marlow feels about the entire adventure
he endured. From the very start of the novel, there are signs of what is
to come. The colors of items and objects help to foreshadow the tragedy
that is to come to Marlow. There are a couple of instances in particular
that elude to the difficult future Marlow will face. Further along in the
novel there are many more examples of the contrast between light and dark.
The ending of the novel also proves to continue to contrast between light
and dark, especially when speaking of the savages Marlow encounters when
attempting to save Kurtz. The ultimate contrast of light and dark occurs
with the death of Kurtz on the boat after he is saved and being brought
back down "The brown current (that) ran swiftly out of the heart of darkness..."
This quote being perhaps the ultimate description of the savagery and uncivilization
of the Congo as Marlow and Kurtz try to quickly escape the savagery and
death of the Congo. With their escape and these words comes the title of
the book, Heart of Darkness.
