Heart of Darkness

When considering a work of literature, the title can be just as important as the context of the story. Literary devices such as contrast and repetition help develop the symbolism of Joseph Conrad's novel, Heart of Darkness. The use of contrast can be seen within the differences between the black and white people along with the differences between the civilized and uncivilized. The phrase "Heart of Darkness" itself is repetitious to describe certain places, events, …

…mistakes. All of Kurtz's mistakes are established when he is cut off from civilization. Through it all, Joseph Conrad is able to relate his title to several facets of the novel. This can be seen in the darkness of the wildnerness, the darkness of the people, the darkness of the way the natives are treated, and the darkness of Kurtz. It is through all of these aspects that we truly see "The horror! The horror!"