Heart of Darkness

Novel | Joseph Conrad
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What does ivory symbolize in “Heart of Darkness?”

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What does ivory symbolize in “Heart of Darkness?” [NU: 2017, 20]

Joseph Conrad’s (1857-1924) “Heart of Darkness” (1899) shows how greed rules the empire. Ivory is the most powerful symbol in the novel. It is wealth, beauty, and power. But it is also corruption, death, and moral darkness.

Ivory as Wealth and Greed: From the start of Marlow’s journey, ivory is the main goal of the Europeans. At the Central Station, Marlow says, 

“The word ‘ivory’ rang in the air, was whispered, was sighed.” 

This shows that ivory is like a god. The traders do not care about men, only about ivory. It becomes the symbol of greed that drives imperialism.

Ivory as Power and Rivalry: At the Inner Station, the Russian trader says about Kurtz,  

“Sends in as much ivory as all the others put together...” 

This shows Kurtz’s power. His
success with ivory makes the Manager and Brickmaker jealous. For them, ivory means position and control. It is not about helping Africa but fighting for more profit and power. Ivory here becomes a symbol of rivalry inside the empire.

Ivory as Corruption and Death: Ivory is white and pure. But in the novel, it is tied to death and cruelty. The Africans suffer and die for it. Outside Kurtz’s hut, Marlow sees skulls on stakes. Kurtz himself cries at death, 

“The horror! The horror!”

His focus on ivory has destroyed his soul. Thus, ivory becomes the symbol of corruption and moral decay.

In the novel “Heart of Darkness”, ivory is more than trade. It is greed at the Outer Station, rivalry at the Central Station, and corruption at the Inner Station. It is the heart of imperial darkness.

 

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Joseph Conrad
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from Heart of Darkness