Ralph's+Notes+-+Pages+5-9

Heart of Darkness – pages 5-9 From the start of the story there is already references and imagery of darkness. “the dark ‘interlopers’ of the eastern trade” p. 5 -  Conrad already acknowledges the darkness of the concept of imperial trade. “The dreams of men, the seed of commonwealth, the germs of empires” p. 5 -  He comments on how trade was indeed their source of power and their dream but also points out how it is ironically a disease to the empires. These are the pages where we are introduced to Marlow, whom even opens with reference to darkness “And this also… has been one of the dark places of earth.” P. 5 This can be seen in two ways, darkness has been present due to the Imperial trade that was based there, London, and in the sense that it was once a place that was conquered, bringing violence and resistance, just like how the rest of the story goes on into the heart of Darkness of the Congo where there is, in a way, the English conquering the land. Therefore, the passage also acts as foreshadowing, in a sense, as Marlow continues to speak of the Roman activities. p. 5-6 The foreshadowing and comparison between the Congo and the Thames is continued as he talks about how the Ancient ‘interlopers’ must have felt about the area… “Sandbanks, Marshes, foests, savages – precious little to eat fir for a civilized man, nothing but Thames water to drink.” P.6 -  Supposedly, by this he was trying to express that this imperialism is repetitive. He then describes how they should be admired for their ability to face the darkness, not think about it. “They were man enough to face the darkness.” P. 7 -  Referring to the stereotype of fear of darkness to express the bravery of the ancient conquerors He then claims that they are different, since they, the English traders, have efficiency to be motivated by and cancel the regret, “Mind, none of us would feel exactly like this. What saves us is efficiency…” Efficiency made up for any regret. He then links his reference to the ancient conquerors to his experiences in the Congo; as the story goes on to tell. Almost as though reminded of it by his references to the Romans.