Isha Kalwani
12th December 2018
Significance of The Title “Heart Of Darkness”
The title, ​Heart of Darkness ​plays a significant role in the story. The entire theme of
the novel lies in the title. The theme of darkness is present throughout the novel, appearing in
Marlow’s first words, “And this also has been one of the dark places of the earth.” He refers
to the horrible things that he had seen in his life. There are many interpretations of this title as
it has a direct and an indirect message for us. It can be understood both literally and
symbolically.
Literally, the darkness applies to the African continent. Geographically, Congo is
situated in the middle (heart) of Africa and Africa was frequently referred to as the ​Dark
Continent.​ That is why, Conrad might have decided to name this novel ​Heart Of Darkness​.
The unexplored territory was seen as ​ominous​ and ​dark.​ It refers to Africa as darkness with
Congo being the heart of it.
Symbolically, one can pull out many meanings from this title. It might refer to the
darkness ​that is present in people’s mind. It refers to Kurtz’s potentials of wickedness to such
an extent that he can kill innocent people for ivory. It refers to greediness and corruption in
people’s minds. During Marlow’s journey to the inner station, he witnesses how cruel and
brutal people can be. He understands the darkness that is present in every person’s soul.
There are all kinds of cruel behaviours that the readers get to witness such as the violent
means used to collect ivory, colonial exploitation, and inhumane practices such as captivating
people in chains. Darkness lies in the inner heart of every person, waiting for it release.
Kurtz is Marlow’s prime example, being a person who lost his ethics at a very young
age and the overpowering darkness of his surrounding made him insane. Darkness can also
be interpreted as a kind of madness. In this sense, the title may refer to an inward journey
from sanity to madness like Kurtz’s. Darkness can also be referred to as the ‘dark’ element of
the story being the Europeans and the station becoming the Heart of Darkness. In conclusion,
many meanings can be derived from this one title.