The Colonial and Postcolonial Narratives in Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness

Abstract

The novel Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, which has been praised and criticised for its portrayal of European imperialism in Africa, features a complex interaction of colonial and postcolonial narratives among its characters. Through a close reading of the text, the study explores how Conrad’s portrayal of colonialism reflects the attitudes and ideologies of the late 19th century, while also providing a critical lens through which to examine the moral and psychological implications of imperialist practices. This article will discuss how the narrative structure of Conrad, namely the framing method that Marlow uses in his storytelling, adds to the ambiguity and ambivalence that surrounds the experience of colonialism. engages with postcolonial critiques of the novel, particularly those that highlight its portrayal of Africa and Africans as the "Other," reinforcing stereotypes and perpetuating colonialist ideologies. This article discusses the ways in which Heart of Darkness has been reinterpreted in postcolonial literature and thought. It serves as both a foundational work for colonial discourse and a beginning point for postcolonial critique.