Heart of darkness: a symbolic study

Abstract

In this paper, I intend to conduct a study of the symbolic meaning of Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness by isolating and interpreting a net of symbols, which is very deftly manipulated by its author for the creation of a short, but superb, artistic expression of his appraisal of man's option for a tragic existence. In the process of this essay I shall examine the following symbolic elements: setting and characters. I shall endeavor to establish meanings for the river, forest, town, etc. As to characters, I shall concentrate on Kurtz's, but I shall also point out important differences and similarities between his character and those of the savages, of Marlow and of the Intended. I shall use other texts written by Conrad in order to supply further evidence for interpretations offered to elements of Heart of Darkness.