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Definition of Motif
A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of related symbols, help develop the central themes of a book... read full definition
A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of related symbols, help develop the... read full definition
A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of... read full definition
Part 1
Explanation and Analysis—Civilization and Savagery:
Throughout Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad repeatedly challenges and rejects the binary opposition between “civilization” and “savagery.” By showing “civilized” Europeans act with far more cruelty and brutality than the Africans they view as “savages,” Conrad suggests that “civilization” and “savagery” are really just Europeans’ arbitrary labels for “us” and “them.” Europeans may believe that their values are superior to Africans’, Conrad argues, but this scarcely matters if they don’t live up to those values in the first place.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Blindness:
The motif of blindness represents Europeans’ failure to understand Africa or its people, even as they claim to be helping and “civilizing” them. Marlow actually points this out at the very beginning of his story in Part 1, when he describes colonialism this way:
Unlock with LitCharts A+It was just robbery with violence, aggravated murder on a great scale, and men going at it blind—as is very proper for those who tackle a darkness. The conquest of the earth, which mostly means the taking it away from those who have a different complexion or slightly flatter noses than ourselves, is not a pretty thing when you look into it too much.
Related Themes:
Part 2
Explanation and Analysis—Civilization and Savagery:
Throughout Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad repeatedly challenges and rejects the binary opposition between “civilization” and “savagery.” By showing “civilized” Europeans act with far more cruelty and brutality than the Africans they view as “savages,” Conrad suggests that “civilization” and “savagery” are really just Europeans’ arbitrary labels for “us” and “them.” Europeans may believe that their values are superior to Africans’, Conrad argues, but this scarcely matters if they don’t live up to those values in the first place.
Unlock with LitCharts A+
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Blindness:
The motif of blindness represents Europeans’ failure to understand Africa or its people, even as they claim to be helping and “civilizing” them. Marlow actually points this out at the very beginning of his story in Part 1, when he describes colonialism this way:
Unlock with LitCharts A+It was just robbery with violence, aggravated murder on a great scale, and men going at it blind—as is very proper for those who tackle a darkness. The conquest of the earth, which mostly means the taking it away from those who have a different complexion or slightly flatter noses than ourselves, is not a pretty thing when you look into it too much.
Related Themes:
