The Dark Side of Immigration

In the collection of short stories, "The Thing Around Your Neck," Adichie expresses a dark side of immigration that is much different from the immigration "success stories" typically expresses in novels.  Adichie's twelve stories center mostly around newly immigrated women who are often times unhappy in their new living situation.  Such occurrences include husbands cheating on their wives overseas, poor reception from their American neighbors, and a general unhappiness with the "American Dream."  Overall, these stories express themes of loneliness and regret, something quite unique to immigration stories of today.  Personally, I found these stories interesting because they were so fresh and different from what we normally see in books, movies and the media.  Although these were somewhat heavy and dark subjects, it was still interesting to see the world through a different perspective.  I found "The Thing Around Your Neck" a daring and refreshing take on immigration, and the lives of new immigrants in America.

Was Kurtz Truly Evil or Just A Product of Imperialism?

         In "Heart of Darkness," Kurtz demonstrates some truly horrible qualities in the way he treats the African natives, bringing up the question: Is Kurtz truly evil or is he just a product of the flawed system of imperialism?  It appears that through what readers can infer from Kurtz's backstory, he had always been an eccentric man.  However, he does not seem to have always been the evil man that he was on his death bed.  Kurtz began to change after once he had become his own leader, when he went to Africa. Marlow, upon his arrival in Africa, witnesses many strange, outlandish things, like a man carrying water in a bucket with a hole in it.  It is apparent that the real cause of the Kurtz's personality change is the alien, fairly uncivilized world that he lives in.  Even Marlow begins to grow more accustomed to the strange behavior and circumstances he encounters in Africa, and in turn, exhibits personality changes of his own by the time he leaves.  Transporting civilized people into this uncivilized world creates this sense of superiority that causes insanity and evil within these people.  It is evident that Kurtz's behavior is a result of flaws in imperialism, not a predisposed evil within him.

Imperialism in "Heart of Darkness"

         In "Heart of Darkness," imperialism occurs as a common theme.  Written during a time where imperialism was very present throughout the globe, "Heart of Darkness" discusses much of the issues that imperialism creates.  Upon arrival in Africa, Marlow witnesses first-hand the cruelty and near-slavery shown towards the African natives.  This novel, also, discusses the deeper issues imbedded into the idea of imperialism, particularly the manner in which average people, in this case the men who work for the Company, feel about their roles in imperialism.  The men believe that what they do is a "trade," and that the cruel treatment of African natives is necessary in order to create "civilization."  While some of these men justify their cruelty by the delusions that it is for a good cause, others, like Kurtz, completely understand the harm they are causing, but go about it anyway.  Kurtz takes ivory by force, and rules through intimidation and violence, exposing holes in the entire concept of imperialism.  African natives in this novel are treated more as objects than as humans.  Conrad's description of imperialism in "Heart of Darkness" is very powerful, especially considering that this was written during a time of imperialism.

Madness in "Heart of Darkness"

The idea of madness pops up as a reoccuring theme throughout "Heart of Darkness."  "He gave me a searching glance and made another note. 'Ever any madness in your family?' he asked in a very matter-of-fact tone.  I felt very annoyed.  'Is that question in the interests of science too?' 'It would be,' he said, without taking not of my irritation, "interesting for science to watch the mental changes of individuals, on the spot..." (Conrad, 26).  This encounter between Marlow and the doctor sheds light onto the idea of madness caused by going into the 'heart of darkness.'  Throughout the early stages of the novel, it is mentioned on multiple occasions by many people that Kurtz himself has gone mad.  However, as we, the readers, and Marlow begin to learn more about and encounter Kurtz, we begin to sympathize with him more, bringing up the question: What truly is madness?  It is apparent that Kurtz's so-called madness has come about as a result of his near isolation in the Congo, as he has basically become his own authority.  With Kurtz so far removed from European civilization, the only man he need answer to is himself.  This results in Kurtz's near tyrannical ruling of the tribal people, and his greed filled yearning to collect ivory by any means possible.  Kurtz's madness is caused by his absolute power in his new residence, something that sheds light onto the human condition as a whole.  Absolute power without authority is often too much for one man to bear, especially when removed from one's natural social context.

The Dual Meanings of 'Darkness' in "Heart of Darkness"

         "The brown current ran swiftly out of the heart of darkness bearing us down towards the sea with twice the speed of our upward progress..." (Conrad, 84).  This reoccurring mention of darkness carries two meanings.  One simply being the obvious literal darkness experienced as Marlow and his crew delve deeper into the jungle with less light penetrating through the thick canopy.  Secondly, this darkness serves as a metaphor to represent the difference in culture between Marlow's European upbringing and the increasingly alien and uncivilized life of those who live deep in the heart of Africa's Congo.  In darkness, man can not see as well as they do in the light.  Darkness in this case represents Marlow's being unable to see, as in understand and connect, with the tribal people he encounters as he delves deeper into the Congo.  The 'heart of darkness' described in the quote represents the darkest point, the most uncivilized area, in which Marlow encounters during his journey to rescue and recover Kurtz.  Leaving this 'heart of darkness' represents a return to the civilized world, and to a European dominated world.  While 'darkness' in this novel does mean exactly what it sounds like, it also carries a much heavier meaning, as well.