Chinua Achebe's critique of Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" as "offensive and deplorable" for its dehumanization of Africans raises important questions about the portrayal of race and colonialism in literature. While some may argue that the novella's dehumanization of Africans is a product of its time and merely reflective of historical attitudes, a closer examination of the text reveals that Achebe's critique is valid.
First and foremost, "Heart of Darkness" is undeniably a product of the colonial era, and as such, it reflects the prevalent racial biases of its time. The novella is set in the context of European imperialism in Africa, where European colonizers viewed African people as "other" and often depicted them as primitive and inferior. This is evident in Conrad's portrayal of the African characters in the story, who are referred to using derogatory terms like "savages" and are described in dehumanizing ways. For example, the African characters are frequently reduced to mere objects or obstacles in the path of the European protagonist, Marlow, rather than being presented as fully developed individuals with their own agency and perspectives.
Furthermore, the novella's narrative perspective contributes to the dehumanization of Africans. The story is told through Marlow's point of view, and his Eurocentric perspective shapes the way African characters are depicted. This limited perspective reinforces stereotypes and prejudices, casting Africans as mysterious and dangerous figures to be feared and controlled. This one-sided portrayal not only dehumanizes Africans but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes about the continent and its people.
Additionally, Achebe's critique is supported by specific passages from the text. For example, Conrad writes, "They howled and leaped and spun and made horrid faces, but what thrilled you was just the thought of their humanity—like yours." This passage not only highlights the dehumanization of Africans but also suggests a patronizing and ethnocentric attitude on the part of the European characters.
In conclusion, Chinua Achebe's critique of "Heart of Darkness" as "offensive and deplorable" in its dehumanization of Africans is valid. The novella reflects the racial biases of its time and portrays African characters in a degrading manner. While some may argue that it should be viewed in the context of its era, it is essential to acknowledge and critically examine the harmful stereotypes and prejudices perpetuated by the text. Literature should be held to high standards, and Achebe's critique serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing and challenging harmful portrayals of race and colonialism in literary works.