Heart of Darkness Blog One

One of the main themes in the book The Heart of Darkness is the nature of imperialism. Marlow, the protagonist and one of the narrators of the novella is thrust into the imperialistic business expenditures of nineteenth century Belgium in the Congo. In the beginning of the book, Marlow is indifferent toward the Belgium imperialism. Unlike many of the other European 'agents' who operate in the Congo, Marlow is not in it for the money. Marlow describes how, when he was younger, he always had a yearning to travel to Africa and faraway places he sees on maps. Marlow is in it for the adventure and the experience of freshwater sailing in a faraway land. Marlow, also, is rather oblivious to the why most people come to the Congo. Marlow, when talking to a fellow European says: "I couldn't help asking him once what he meant by coming there [Africa] at all. 'To make money of, of course. What do you think?'" (86). In asking this question, Marlow shows his naivete of imperialism and why it truly happens. To the other European, it is obvious that money is the main factor why people ventured to the Congo; but to Marlow, there are many other reasons, his being adventure, to travel so far away from home. As time passes, I expect Marlow's views to change as he discovers the true intentions of the Belgian king and his imperialistic ventures.