Literature Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Literature - Essay Example Conrad’s choice of words and word combinations, complex sentences, his poetic tone and sophisticated style assists in smooth transition in situation that craft a sensual experience for the readers. He uses rhyming adjective phrases and complex sentences to string his ideas and make them transcend into a visual melodrama. â€Å"Heart of Darkness† is an excellent example for his ability to manipulate the abstract language and vivid imagery to attain his goal. In earlier days, Africa was known to be the ‘Dark Continent’ or the â€Å"other world.†(Robert Kimbrough 1988). All negative traits of European society were attributed to Africans. So much so, that Africa did not find a place in the world map and its geographical areas were unmarked. This intrigued and stimulated the spirit of challenge in many explorers and navigators to conquer the Dark Continent. It was this passion that also goaded the boy Joseph to seek a life of adventure and romance on the high seas. A Polish by origin, brought up in a patriotic family who resented European aggression, Conrad spent his childhood in Russia and Poland. Subsequent to the death of his parents he was under the care of his uncle, and had schooling at Carcow. Like other young men of 19th century Conrad was drawn to the adventurous, lucrative, and self-fulfilling life of seamen. He remained a seaman, from 1874 to1894, and sailed under several European flags before beginning his li terary career. Conrad’s long twenty years of experience, particularly a visit to Africa, stands reflected in ‘Heart of Darkness.’(p.ix). The story is narrated through the main character Marlow, who was also a sailor, and can be considered as an autobiographical travelogue of Conrad delivered through Marlow. Heart of Darkness, possibly the greatest short novel in English, asks troublesome questions on human aggression, disturbs preconceptions and