Heart of Darkness (1899–1902)

Conrad’s novella is an inscrutable play of language: words are repeated and reinflected throughout the text in a way that leaves the reader unsure of their final meanings. Certain words and phrases are reiterated even in this opening section, such as the ‘brooding gloom’ (ll. 14, 22, 45 and 51) which is opposed to the ‘luminous’ (ll.9 and 21) river. Thus the major opposition, between the ‘light’ (associated with Europe) and the ‘dark’ (linked with Africa) is established from the outset. The title itself is fundamentally ambiguous and has been the subject of numerous interpretations, suggesting it refers to Africa, Europe, the Belgian Empire, colonialism, the unconscious, or to the human heart. The number of words and phrases which refer to either ‘dark’ or ‘light’ imagery in just this opening 50 lines is notably high, and each reference refines the metaphorical importance attaching to the two terms, leaving expressions like ‘brilliance’, ‘radiant fabric’ and ‘immensity of unstained light’ (ll.40–3) without the straightforward positive associations they would usually have.