LITERATURE
Legacies of Empire: Racism and Imperialism in ‘Heart of Darkness’
Is ‘Heart of Darkness’ a fair critique of Western imperialism?
“They were conquerors, and for that you want only brute force — nothing to boast of, when you have it, since your strength is just an accident arising from the weakness of others.” ― Heart of Darkness
Much of the debate on Heart of Darkness (1902) centres around Joseph Conrad’s intentions behind the novella and whether or not it stands as a critique of Western imperialism. It seems one can never be sure of whose side Conrad is essentially on. Indeed, as E. M. Forster points out, “[Conrad] never gives himself away”.
Of course, no critical consensus has of yet been achieved regarding Conrad’s famous novella.
Racism, Achebe and a Portrait of Africa
Heart of Darkness is often accused of being a racist text that fails to accurately portray the experience of Africa.
But can it claim to be a tale about experiencing Africa?
