How is language used in Heart of Darkness?

Linguistic expression—through either speech or text—represents one way out of madness, but they also represent a way into madness. Kurtz’s handle on language helps make him go crazy. In Heart of Darkness, problems with words give us a clue to character defects.

What is Heart of Darkness in literature?

Heart of Darkness (1899) is a novella by Polish-English novelist Joseph Conrad. It tells the story of Charles Marlow, a sailor who takes on an assignment from a Belgian trading company as a ferry-boat captain in the African interior.

How many words does Heart of Darkness have?

38,000 words
Not exactly a long story, and certainly not a novella, at barely 38,000 words long, it first appeared in volume form as part of a collection of stories that included Youth: A Narrative and The End of the Tether. It has become Conrad’s most famous, controversial and influential work.

What is the writing style of Heart of Darkness?

The linguistic style of Heart of Darkness is gloomy and foreboding.

How is imperialism shown in Heart of Darkness?

The darkness in Heart of Darkness represents the imperialism. The Congo, Marlow, and Kurtz reveal darkness through imperialism. The Congo reveals darkness through imperialism. Throughout Heart of Darkness it is very evident that the Congo falls victim to British imperialism.

Why is Heart of Darkness a good book?

pushed a little (and only very little) beyond the actual facts of the case”. Despite his protestations, this is undeniably an invaluable historical document offering a glimpse into the horrific human consequences of the imperial powers’ scramble for Africa as much as it is a compelling tale.

What is the meaning of Heart of Darkness as a metaphor?

Lesson Summary Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness uses metaphor to explore the impact of imperialism on the people of Europe and Africa. Darkness, the Congo River, and the painting of the woman are metaphors that work together to bolster Conrad’s argument against imperialism.