The Heart of Darkness examines the power dynamics and morality of the time at the cusp of the 20th century. It is a strident commentary on imperialism and racism and the razor-thin difference between “civilized people” and “savages.” “Whiteness” was the currency of that time and gave license to European nations to move onto the “dark continent” and take what they wanted simply because they could. Conrad, in his examination of the true nature of mankind, forces us to examine who had the power and why and how seemingly educated, enlightened people could descend into such brutality and violence to get what they wanted. And then to ask a very uncomfortable question, is this capacity for brutality, violence, and cruelty resident in all mankind? This darkness?
