Misleading Interpretations of Conrads Heart of Darkness...

Misleading Interpretations of Conrads Heart of Darkness Chinua Achebe, a well-known writer, once gave a lecture at the University of Massachusetts about Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness, entitled An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrads Heart of Darkness. Throughout his essay, Achebe notes how Conrad used Africa as a background only, and how he set Africa up as a foil to Europe,(Achebe, p.251) while he also projects the image of Africa as the other world, the antithesis of Europe and therefore of civilization.(Achebe, p.252) By his own interpretations of the text, Achebe shows that Conrad eliminates the African as a human factor, thereby reducing Africa to the role of props.(Achebe, p.257) In supporting these†¦show more content†¦284) In comparing the two views, one must step back and consider that both views are only interpretations on what Conrad may have intended. Since no one can ever really know what his actual meanings were for these two women being so similar (in their movements), and yet so different (in their character), only individual explanation can be brought up. This in particular, is what brings me to question both Achebe and Sarvans points. By reorganizing Conrads descriptive words, Sarvan was able to propose that Conrad did not intend for the mistress to be perceived as the savage counterpart.(Achebe, p. 255) Yet, at the same time, both Sarvan and Achebe each write about what they think to be the right thing. It seems to me that Achebe was looking for racism in this short novel, and that Sarvan was so taken back by Achebes accusations, that he himself, went and looked for ways to defend Conrad. However, this particular shortcoming of the native woman, is not the only one that Achebe finds. As stated earlier, communication is very important in our society and to civilization (as known by the Europeans of the time). While reading Heart of Darkness, I noticed a significant difference in the levels of communication that were allotted between the Europeans and the Africans. This drastic difference in speech was at the coreShow MoreRelatedHeart Of Darkness Essay1426 Words   |  6 PagesJoseph Conrads novel Heart of Darkness uses character development and character analysis to really tell the story of European colonization. Within Conrads characters one can find both racist and colonialist views, and it is the opinion, and the interpretation of the reader which decides what Conrad is really trying to say in his work. Chinua Achebe, a well known writer, once gave a lecture at the University of Massachusetts about Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness, entitled An image of Africa:Read MoreAnalysis Of Joseph Conrad s Heart Of Darkness 1795 Words   |  8 PagesHeart of Darkness: A Contradictory Metaphorical and Symbolistic Novella by Joseph Conrad Figurative language is the use of words or expressions in a piece of literature that are not mean to be taken literally by the reader. This tool in literature is used to convey a message in an obscure way, many times leaving the true meaning up to interpretation. Examples of figurative language are symbolism and metaphor. However, there are many more methods an author can use to convey a non-literal meaningRead More The Limits of Language in Heart of Darkness Essay1400 Words   |  6 PagesThe Limits of Language in Heart of Darkness From the very beginning of Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad traps us in a complex play of language, where eloquence is little more than a tool to obscure horrific moral shortcomings. Hazy, absurd descriptions, frame narratives, and a surreal sense of Saussurean structural linguistics create distance from an ever-elusive center, to show that language is incapable of adequately or directly revealing truth. Understanding instead occurs in the margins andRead MoreANALIZ TEXT INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS28843 Words   |  116 Pagesï » ¿TEXT INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS The purpose of Text Interpretation and Analysis is a literary and linguistic commentary in which the reader explains what the text reveals under close examination. Any literary work is unique. It is created by the author in accordance with his vision and is permeated with his idea of the world. The reader’s interpretation is also highly individual and depends to a great extent on his knowledge and personal experience. That’s why one cannot lay down a fixed â€Å"model†Read MoreProject Mgmt296381 Words   |  1186 Pagesare bigger in the top floors than lower floors. Formal business attire (white shirts, ties, power suits, . . . ). Power appears to increase the higher up you are. II. Public Documents: Annual reports, internal newsletters, vision statements At the heart of the Power Corp. way is our vision . . . to be the global energy company most admired for its people, partnership, and performance. Integrity. We are honest with others and ourselves. We meet the highest ethical standards in all business dealings