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Heart Of Darkness Imperialism

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Joseph Conrad’s story “Heart of Darkness” describes the events of steam boat captain Marlow as he journeys deeper into the unexplored land of Africa during the colonial era. The only thing driving all the men deeper into the unknown is the search for ivory. This continuous want for something so material, referred to as Ivory fever, brought most of the men to experience an absolute change. This change was not because of their new environment but is written as the awakening of man’s true being. During this time of exploration King Leopold believed that the African Congo was cursed by savagery, cannibalism, and despair. It was the “white burden” to help civilize the people rather than leave them be. This is another motivation of some of the people traveling in the territory. Have it be the lust for ivory or the heart to change an unenlightened society, man has ties to one another. …show more content…

We are first introduced to Marlow who briefly describes how the situation they’re in is similar to the conquest of Britain by the Romans. The record is that Julius Caesar’s predecessor Emperor Claudius had continued his previous plans by ordered General Aulis Plautus to invade. The Romans quickly established control over the tribes that were present during 43 A.D. Even though they had some minor resistance, Rome still was fully able to establish itself for a short period of time. Marlow’s reference to this invasion is very similar to the colonial period. The English people coming into Africa and asserting themselves over the tribes that reside. They will take their resources and leave some trace of their previous

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