Literary Use Of Irony In Joseph Conrad's Heart Of Darkness

The novella Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad is a literary piece full of ambiguity and different meaning hidden beneath layers and layers of literary devices. Some of the most effective devices employed are satire and irony. The irony in this book is shown in many different ways: through Marlow’s surprising development, the portrayal of The Company, and -perhaps the greatest irony in the novel- Kurtz’ character in general. The use of these devices further complicates the meaning of the story by confusing the true nature of the characters. Irony also contributes to the impressionistic style, but this style and the satire in the novel is what led some to believe the book is about anti-imperialism but others to believe that the novel is actually

As death stares Kurtz in the face he talks of his dreams, and his ambitions, and his plans. This conversation he has with Marlow is also ironic in a very sad way, because Kurtz is fantasizing about what he will never get to do. Kurtz gives Marlow a packet of papers, and then he lies in a fearful wait of his death that was sure to come soon. Marlow manages to witness Kurtz’ final words, dripping with terror, “The horror! The horror!” ( ). With Kurtz’ death Marlow returns to Europe, where he meets Kurtz’ fiancee, or The Intended. Stricken with grief over the death of her dear fiancee, she describes an unfamiliar Kurtz to Marlow. She claimed she knew him better than anyone else, and Marlow, unable to break the innocent seeming girls heart even more, tells her that “the last word he pronounced - was your name” ( ). Marlow’s character doesn’t usually lie, but he allows the irony only to comfort The Intended. When Marlow opens the package that Kurtz gave him prior to his death, he finds Kurtz’ last inscription: “Exterminate all the brutes!” This was the final irony of his life, as his last minute declaration negated what he had said he believed during his