The novel "Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad centers on both a political and a personal theme. The major themes explored in the extract taken from "Heart of Darkness" are the controversy of imperialism, colonisation

The theme of uncertainty and vulnerability were explored throughout the extract. Various metaphors are used to communicate the themes, “a sea the colour of led”, “a sky the colour of smoke” and “a kind of ship about as rigid as a concertina”. The images are directly related to traveling/journey, this foreshadows that the journey will be full of darkness, uncertainty, vulnerability and ultimately, evil. Moreover, darkness often means “danger”; the evidence of this is when Marlow mentioned, “sandbanks…. Savagery”, natural images that are avoided by sailors. This further conveys danger within the journey. As people often associate darkness and the “unknowns” with uncertainty.  The theme is further emphasized by the use of dashes as Marlow speaks with the men, “we live in the flicker – may it last as long as the old earth keeps rolling!”

Politically, the theme of colonisation plays a vital role in the novel. Marlow often refers to history of Britain “Romans first came here” “the other day” This suggests the speed of human progression that deep inside our soul, we want to dominate others that are weaker than us. The tone is doomed and conveys sense of regrets. His views on the Romans are displayed quite negatively, “nothing more I suspect”. To readers, it may seem like Marlow doesn’t know everything as the Romans brought great civilization to Britain. This makes us question his authority and knowledge, Conversely, Marlow could be denying the good clause that the Romans brought with them as it would mean that he “accepts” the “savagery” in them. “Since your strength is just an accident arising from the weaknesses of others” portrays his view on the Roman’s action.

The ideas of civilization and savagery were often explored together, comparatively. Marlow continuously put Britain as a “civilized world” and that Africa, “has no Falernan wine” this suggests that there is no luxury in Africa and that is he going to experienced something “cold” which may even leads to “death” Literally, there could be deaths involved but subtexually, this could be interpreted as death of civilization within his soul. Without this, they would have to be “men enough to face the darkness” and “if he had good friends and survived the awful climate” suggests the idea of survival of the fittest which could be related to the theme of colonization.

Personally, savagery is another theme that was explored, “decent young citizen in a toga…. Savagery has closed in around him” Arguably, Marlow could be talking about the Romans however; the image could be related to him as well. As he mentioned that human beings has the “fascination of abomination”. By listing extreme emotion, such as, “the growing of regrets, the longing to escape, the powerless disgust, the surrender, the hate” the readers are encouraged to further explore the issue of inner savagery in the heart of human sole. “The surrender” could also be interpreted as when soldiers colonized a country; they have to give in into their inner savages and are powerless to stop it. Dramatic effect is caused when Marlow “paused”. This conveys that he doesn’t want to be like the Romans who surrender. The fact that “He paused” is on its own suggests that he is exploring this emotion by himself. Another interpretation could be that the author is trying to create tension as this is a disruption in the flow of the text. Structurally, this also creates a shift in tone as after “he paused” there seemed to be an explanation and justification of his mission. Arguably, his gesture of the Buddha made him seems self absorbed. However, the image of “Buddha” is connected with spiritual authority; this makes us wonder whether Marlow may be asking for forgiveness for his savagery in advance for his actions in Africa later on.

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