Imperialistic Mindset

Irony is used throughout literature as a sharp spear to critique society. In the heart of darkness Joseph Conrad uses tone to induce irony in order to develop his critique on imperialism. For Conrad imperialism is a state of mind that one creates through fake reasoning in order to remain blind.

 The novel attempts to describe imperialism through the words of Marlow as he narrates his life as a conqueror in Congo. Unlike the other characters, which are described only by their professions such as “the accountant”, Marlow is known by name. He is distinctive from his shipmates for he is able and willing to judge imperialism. “The conquest of the earth, which mostly means the taking it away from those who have different complexion or slightly flatter noses than ourselves.”(69) Conrad uses Marlow’s southing tone to enforce a sense of tranquility that exposes imperialism as inhumane. While he narrates his stories as a English conqueror in Congo we are able to sense the irrational behavior. Conrad uses the irony of his characters being unaware of the absurdity behind their situation in order to critique the mindset of an empire.  “They were conquerors and for that you want only brute force—nothing to boast of, when you have it, since your strength is just an accident arising from the weakness of others.”(69) The sense of superiority that arose in imperialism is yet another form of blindness for the conquerors see the Indian tribes as savages while they are much more peaceful than any kingdom in Europe.

The understanding of imperialism is still vague but the idea of understanding it as state of mind is quite unique. Although the novel offers a new form of undertaking the concept, the tone and the irony that comes with it suggest that Conrad considers imperialism as a form of insanity. This novel is certainly a revolutionary way to consider colonialism, hopefully the construction of the real meaning continues to be reasonable.