Edward Said analyzes an attitude he calls “orientalism.”

Sample Solution

   

Orientalism and Heart of Darkness: Unveiling the European Gaze on Africa

In his seminal work, "Orientalism," Edward Said delves into the intricate power dynamics embedded in Western representations of the East. He defines Orientalism as a "mode of discourse" that constructs and perpetuates knowledge about the Orient, often through a lens of Western superiority and dominance. This discourse, Said argues, is not merely objective and neutral but rather serves to justify and maintain colonial power structures.

Full Answer Section

    In Patrick Brantlinger's "Rule of Darkness: British Literature and Imperialism, 1830-1914," the concept of Orientalism is applied to Joseph Conrad's novella, "Heart of Darkness." Brantlinger argues that Conrad's portrayal of Africa and its inhabitants reflects the prevailing British attitudes of Orientalism, while simultaneously revealing the contradictions and complexities inherent in this worldview. Conrad's Orientalist Depictions of Africa Throughout "Heart of Darkness," Conrad employs various literary techniques to reinforce the Orientalist stereotypes of Africa as a dark, savage, and primitive land. Africa is often described as a "heart of darkness," a place of impenetrable mystery and inherent danger. The African landscape is portrayed as a dense, impenetrable jungle, symbolizing the wild and untamed nature of the continent. The African natives are depicted as savage and uncivilized, lacking the rationality and refinement of their European counterparts. Marlow, the novella's narrator, describes them as "wild men" and "cannibals," emphasizing their perceived distance from European norms of civilization. Challenging Orientalist Assumptions Despite these Orientalist undertones, Conrad's portrayal of Africa is not entirely one-dimensional. There are instances where he challenges the prevailing stereotypes and offers glimpses of a more nuanced understanding of the continent and its people. Marlow's initial fascination with the African natives hints at a recognition of their cultural richness and difference from European norms. He describes their rituals and customs with a sense of awe and curiosity, suggesting a willingness to engage with their world on its own terms. The novella's conclusion further challenges the simplistic dichotomy of civilized Europe and savage Africa. Kurtz, the enigmatic ivory trader, represents the corruption and moral decay that can exist within European society, while the African natives, despite their perceived primitiveness, retain a sense of humanity and connection to the natural world. Orientalism as a Double-Edged Sword Conrad's use of Orientalist imagery and tropes can be seen as a reflection of the prevailing British attitudes of the time. However, his willingness to question and challenge these assumptions suggests a more complex and nuanced understanding of the relationship between Europe and Africa. Orientalism, in Conrad's hands, becomes a double-edged sword. While it serves to perpetuate colonial power structures and reinforce stereotypes, it also opens up a space for questioning and critiquing these very structures. Conclusion "Heart of Darkness" is a complex and multifaceted work that reflects the contradictions and tensions inherent in the European encounter with Africa. Conrad's use of Orientalist imagery and tropes can be seen as both a reflection of prevailing attitudes and a challenge to these very assumptions. The novella's enduring relevance lies in its ability to provoke critical reflection on the relationship between power, knowledge, and representations of the non-Western world.