By the end
of this novel ( I can't even believe it's a novel ) I was breathless. The word
" genius" has become mundane, but I find no other word that can
describe a fraction of Conrad's writing in Heart of Darkness. I thought this
novel would be boring and dense, and instead it turned out to be the most
amazing book I have yet read. It endeavors so much and completes it so "
eloquently." Marlow is what everyman should become at some point, and
Kurtz - what can describe Kurtz? He is the phantom, the divinity of some other
world. Even if this novel was read on a superficial surface; the descriptions
and narrative are explosive and paint a picture that one can almost touch. It's
hard to think that this was all in words and is held by two covers because it
is like holding burning dynamite. I'm going to be reading this many more times
and for many more years to come. Because how many more ways can I interpret
" the horror, the horror"?
There can
be long debate about the hidden meanings, etc. in Heart of Darkness. And, of
course, if one pays even a scintilla of attention. one's mind will no doubt be
provoked by this deep, mysterious and moving tale. For example, there could be
(I'm sure there has already been) a century long debate on the exact meaning of
the title. However, besides the import of its moral/human/instinctive/spiritual
teachings, Heart of Darkness is often overlooked for the sheer excitement and
anticipation the words cause. This is, to put it bluntly, a terrific story. I
was so anticipating the meeting between Marlow and Kurtz that I could barely
stand it. And the visual imagery is astonishing. I will never forget the stakes
with heads of savages. One must wonder how familiar Conrad was with the story
of Vlad the Impaler (Dracula)!! Of course, it is the importance of the work
that has made its immutable mark on literature. Any reader will surely be able to recognize
his or her own instinctive/unconscious capabilities (desires, perhaps?) when
they read this book. Who among us can wholly deny that we would not have
behaved like Kurtz when left unrestrained by our society and placed in a
position where it was not difficult to make a relatively unchallenged rise to
power? Perhaps imperialism, left unchecked, is human nature, and our nature,
our instinct is to civilize those different from us by way of any means
feasible, which, with "savages" or the "uncivilized", is
violence, fear or terror. Do a quick check of history, and you will find this
to be true. The Heart of Darkness may in fact be the heart of man, a metaphor
for the instinctive nature of man.
Everything
about this book is great. But mind you, if you don't like depression or evil,
then stay away from this book. This book reaches into the most primitive
impulses that all humans have shared from the day we evolved.
Book review by Andy G.
Book review by Andy G.
