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Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad and Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe delve into the complex terrain of colonialism, imperialism, and the human condition. Set in the African Congo during the 1800s, these novels provide contrasting perspectives, one from the European colonizers and the other from the Native African tribes. Both works, although sharing a common backdrop, navigate distinct thematic elements, with Conrad focusing on internal conflicts within individuals, while Achebe explores the unraveling of a culture under external influence.
Conrad employs deeply developed characters in Heart of Darkness to unravel the consequences of imperialism, steering the narrative towards the internal turmoil of individuals in an untamed environment. The character Kurtz epitomizes this struggle, as years in the jungle drive him to near insanity. Marlow, the protagonist, also confronts the dark core within himself during his expedition into the unfamiliar land. Conrad's thematic emphasis lies in the destructive consequences of self-discovery and internal conflict in an untamed, savage place like the African Congo.
Kurtz, initially a brilliant and enlightened individual, succumbs to the wilderness's vengeance for the "fantastic invasion." His soul descends into madness as he confronts whispers about himself, unknown aspects revealed by the great solitude.
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Marlow, too, faces a profound internal struggle, realizing the inextinguishable regrets that come with self-discovery. The jungle becomes a metaphorical abyss, forcing characters to confront the darkest corners of their souls.
In Things Fall Apart, Achebe shifts the focus to the clash between cultures, portraying the conflicts that arise with the abrupt influence of a more powerful culture.
The novel highlights the falling apart of the Ibo culture in the face of European colonization. Achebe underscores the contrasting aspects of European society and the Ibo people, emphasizing the conflicts that emerge between the two groups and within the Ibo community itself. The words of Obierka reflect the pervasive impact: "he [the white man] has put a knife on the things that hold us [the Ibo people] together, and we have fallen apart."
The clash between cultures is evident in the differing worldviews of the Europeans and the Ibo people. Achebe intricately portrays the impact of colonialism on the Ibo society, disrupting their traditions, values, and social cohesion. The whites impose their beliefs and practices, putting a strain on the fabric of the Ibo community. This external conflict between colonizers and colonized becomes a catalyst for internal strife within the Ibo society, leading to a breakdown of their cultural coherence.
Both novels present tragic heroes, Kurtz in Heart of Darkness and Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart, who experience profound internal conflicts leading to their tragic ends. In Heart of Darkness, Kurtz, once an intellectual and economic genius, succumbs to delusional madness. Marlow observes that Kurtz's "intelligence was perfectly clear and concentrated, it is true, upon himself with horrible intensity, yet clear; ... his soul was mad. Being alone in the wilderness, it had looked within itself, and, by heavens! I tell you, it had gone mad" (113). Kurtz's downfall was one that had developed from within himself.
In Things Fall Apart, former tribal leader and respected warrior Okonkwo ends up losing the admiration of his people and eventually hanging himself. The self-loathing hopelessness that led to his suicide came primarily from the discord that had developed between himself and the people of his tribe and the hostility of the whites. Okonkwo's tragic flaw lies in his inability to adapt to the changing dynamics brought by external forces. His internal struggle stems from the conflict between tradition and the encroaching influences of the colonizers.
While Kurtz's madness is a consequence of self-discovery and isolation, Okonkwo's downfall is a result of the clash between his rigid worldview and the forces of change introduced by European imperialism. Both characters serve as poignant symbols of the destructive impact of external and internal conflicts on the human psyche.
Heart of Darkness and Things Fall Apart, while sharing a historical backdrop, offer distinct narratives that dissect the human experience in the context of imperialism. Conrad and Achebe use their novels to explore the multifaceted aspects of conflict, whether internal or external, shedding light on the profound consequences of cultural clashes and the disintegration of established norms. By navigating these intricate themes, both authors contribute to a nuanced understanding of the impact of imperialism on individuals and societies, leaving readers to contemplate the enduring repercussions of historical encounters.
Imperialism and Human Conflict in Heart of Darkness and Things Fall Apart. (2016, Jun 21). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/contrasting-conflict-in-things-fall-apart-and-heart-of-darkness-essay
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