Heart of Darkness

Berlin Conference
Joseph Conrad's novel "Heart of Darkness" is closely linked to the historical context
of the Berlin Conference and the broader period of European colonialism in Africa.
The novel, published in 1899, explores the themes of imperialism, exploitation, and
the darkness of the human psyche.

The protagonist of the novel, Charles Marlow, embarks on a journey into the heart
of the African Congo, where he encounters the brutal realities of colonialism and the
exploitation of the African people and resources by European powers. Marlow's
experiences reflect the destructive impact of European imperialism on both the
colonizers and the colonized.

The Berlin Conference serves as a historical backdrop for the events depicted in
"Heart of Darkness." The conference, which took place a few years before the novel
was written, symbolizes the formalization of European colonial rule in Africa and
the arbitrary division of the continent among European powers. Conrad's novel
highlights the moral and psychological darkness that accompanies imperialism,
portraying the exploitation, violence, and dehumanization inherent in colonialism.

Furthermore, Conrad's portrayal of the Congo as a place of primal darkness and

savagery reflects the racist attitudes prevalent among European colonizers during
that time. The novel critiques the hypocrisy and moral bankruptcy of imperialism,
exposing the contradictions between Europe's purported civilizing mission and its
barbaric actions in the colonies.