Question: What does the knitting of black wool signify in the novel Heart of Darkness?
The knitting of black wool in “Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad (1857-1924) holds symbolic significance. It reflects themes of darkness, manipulation, and existential ambiguity.
Representation of Darkness: The knitting of black wool serves as a metaphor for the pervasive darkness that lies within human nature and the depths of the human psyche. The black wool symbolizes the obscure and enigmatic aspects of the human soul, mirroring the hidden darkness within the characters and the heart of the African continent itself. As Marlow observes,
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“She seemed uncanny and fateful. Often far away there I thought of these two, guarding the door of Darkness, knitting black wool as for a warm pall…”
This image underscores the inescapable connection between the wool’s colour and the overarching theme of darkness.
Symbol of Mourning and Loss: The knitting of black wool symbolizes grief and mourning for Kurtz’s loss. It’s indicative of the Intended incomplete understanding of Kurtz’s true nature and experiences. Marlow notes,
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“It was as though a veil had been rent.”
This veil suggests the Intended ignorance about the harsh truths of Kurtz’s life and death, mirroring broader societal ignorance about the destructive effects of colonialism.
Colonialism’s Deception: The act of knitting black wool mirrors the deceitful nature of colonialism. The Intended is kept in the dark about Kurtz’s true actions and the horrors of the Congo, just as the wool hides the darker reality beneath its surface. Marlow reflects,
“It was the stillness of an implacable force brooding over an inscrutable intention.”
This encapsulates the hidden motives of imperialism.
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In essence, the knitting of black wool in “Heart of Darkness” is a multi-layered symbol that conveys the interplay of darkness, manipulation, and existential ambiguity in the narrative.
Representation of Darkness: এটি মানুষের অভ্যন্তরীণ খারাপ দিকগুলো রিপ্রেজেন্ট করে। এমনকি এটা আফ্রিকান অন্ধকারাচ্ছন্ন পরিবেশকেও উপস্থাপন করে।
Symbol of Mourning and Loss: কালো উল বুনন হচ্ছে Kurtz এর মৃত্যুর সিম্বল। এটা যেমন অসমাপ্ত ছিল ঠিক তেমনি Kurtz এর লক্ষ্য ও উদ্দেশ্য অসমাপ্ত রয়ে যায়।
Colonialism’s Deception: কালো উল বুনন সাম্রাজ্যবাদ এর ধোঁকাবাজি রিপ্রেজেন্ট করে। কঙ্গো এর খারাপ এবং লোমহর্ষক অবস্থা কালো উল বুনন আড়াল করে রেখেছে।
