Question

Consider how Kurtz and the pilgrims act differently in the following settingsthe following reveal the hypocrisy of imperialism. Record your ideas below in complete sentences. Use examples from the text.

a. Different settings.
b. Belgium
c. The Congo
d. On the steamer

Answer 1

Conrad's Heart of Darkness illustrates the hypocrisy of imperialism through characters' behaviors, critiqued by Achebe as perpetuating Eurocentric dehumanization despite intentions to censure colonist violence.

Step-by-step explanation:

Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness probes the consequences of European imperialism, particularly as evidenced by the divergent behaviors and philosophies of the protagonist, Marlow, and the ivory trader, Kurtz, with regard to the African people and their culture. In the settings of Belgium, the Congo, and aboard the steamer in the Congo River, these characters manifest either complicity in, or a critique of, the dehumanization of colonialism. For example, the pilgrims in the Congo are depersonalized, serving only as agents of imperial exploitation, whereas Kurtz, consumed by jungle life, adopts a god-like persona among the Africans. This dichotomy demonstrates the hypocrisy of imperialism, claiming civilization while perpetuating barbarism.

Chinua Achebe's critique of the novella spotlights its Eurocentrism and marginalization of African voices. Achebe argues that despite Conrad's critical view of colonialism, the portrayal of Africans sustains the dehumanization and racism inherent in European cultural narratives. This perspective is essential for understanding the deeper layers of Conrad's work and its historical context during the colonial period, wherein the scramble for Africa was justified by European notions of bringing 'civilization' to supposedly 'savage' societies.

While Conrad may have intended to criticize the violent excesses of colonial exploitation, notably that of the Belgian rule in the Congo, he simultaneously perpetuates the same racist ideologies that enabled such imperialism. This raises complex questions regarding the novella's merit in the canon of literature, given its problematic representation of African characters.

Answer 2

Kurtz and the pilgrims acted as per the local culture and other factors

Step-by-step explanation:

In different settings, Kurtz and the pilgrims acted differently as per the local society and other factors.

In Belgium, Kurtz and the pilgrims acted in a civilized way as they found the society very civilized but lacking in depth.

In Congo, Kurtz and the pilgrims acted like savages and started taking up their cultures and norms. They started killing enemies and displaying their skulls as an award or something of pride.

On the steamer, Kurtz was weak and was dying. Hence, he was vulnerable and therefore, Marlow thinks that Kurtz is a good person after all.