Heart of Darkness

Okay... so anyone that says this book is racist needs to be able to look past the race of the people and look at the larger picture. They are natives that happen to be black. Sure the book does deal with the problem with racism in Europe and the flaws and inhumanities of imperialism, by demonstrating these qualities in the characters themselves. But the wonder of this book is not in the...more

Okay... so anyone that says this book is racist needs to be able to look past the race of the people and look at the larger picture. They are natives that happen to be black. Sure the book does deal with the problem with racism in Europe and the flaws and inhumanities of imperialism, by demonstrating these qualities in the characters themselves. But the wonder of this book is not in the period-based declamations of these practices, but in the brilliant analysis of the human psyche demonstrates the fragility of what we know as civilization, and even attempts to distinguish the reasons for innate racism. So sure, it is about race, but the book makes no offense to African peoples, and if it is to be found offensive to any people it would be the socialites of Europe in the late ninteenth century and their self-percieved refinement and civilized natures. Yeah... so just in case you couldn't tell, I love this book and I read Chinua Achebe's essay on it.   hide

An extraordinary and terrifying book

One of the basic questions we must ask is about the nature of mankind. Are we basically good or left to ourselves are we inherently evil? If the constraints of society are removed does man rise to be a noble character or does he slip down into his own darkness? Conrad illustrates mans basic nature that left to himself, without the constraints of society man’s heart is as dark and as savage...more

One of the basic questions we must ask is about the nature of mankind. Are we basically good or left to ourselves are we inherently evil? If the constraints of society are removed does man rise to be a noble character or does he slip down into his own darkness? Conrad illustrates mans basic nature that left to himself, without the constraints of society man’s heart is as dark and as savage as the Dark Continent. It’s a thin book, not a long read but a powerful story. Go back and watch Coppola’s “Apocalypse Now” after you finish.   hide

Need to give yourself time to fully read this one.

A Master piece! don`t miss it...

The novel highlighted several elements of imperialism. However, the motifs and symbolism were too prevalent in the novel for a story to truly emerge.

I still don't understand what happened in this book.

clearly the reviewers of this book are above the human condition. otherwise they could not be otherwise than captivated by one of the greatest and darkest achievements of modern literature. those who would write conrad off as racist may have a case but ultimately he was a product of his time and we can only wonder what views held by us will be abhorred by future generations. this really just...more

clearly the reviewers of this book are above the human condition. otherwise they could not be otherwise than captivated by one of the greatest and darkest achievements of modern literature. those who would write conrad off as racist may have a case but ultimately he was a product of his time and we can only wonder what views held by us will be abhorred by future generations. this really just shows a lack of understanding regarding the relationship of history of morality to history, for which i prescribe the works of friedrich hayek. i have only read this book twice and intend to return to it many more times. truly terrifying.   hide

For me this book was torturous from beginning to end.