Color as a Tool of Symbolism in Heart of Darkness

Color is used very effectively as a tool of symbolism in Heart of Darkness. Colors, especially black and white, are used to symbolize evil (black) and good (white). Other colors are also used, although less often than black and white. Throughout the story, people are thought to have white souls or black souls depending on their innate "goodness" or "badness" or the role they are fulfilling at the time. The color of a person's soul …

…the Bible, Revelations 6:8, the Pale horse and his rider "Death". II. The use of color is effective. 1. It is easy to understand. 2. Colors are simple to identify, and recognizable colors are used in the book a. Anyone able to read this book already knows the colors. 3. The significance of a color is consistent throughout the book. a. Black always symbolizes evil. b. White always symbolizes good. c. Other colors retain their "identities" throughout the book.