Heart of Darkness 13

In literature, contrasting places are used by certain authors as a way of representing opposed forces or ideas that are central to the meaning of the work. We see this used in Heart Of Darkness by Joseph Conrad as he applies the jungles of Africa, and Europe to develop the concept of "civilization" and "the heart of darkness" respectively. Conrad is attempting to explain how even the most cultured individual can face a decision of …

…escape from everyday inhibitions brought about by the lessons learned in the educated society. Luckily, most of us are able to play by the rules and keep our precious sanity, but unfortunately Kurtz lacked the limitations taught to him by his European lifestyle needed to hold himself together and stay "civilized" in his very own nightmare, the African Jungle. Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness. New York, Bantam Books. March, 1981. All references refer to this edition.