Charles Marlow: Narrating the Darkness Essay -- Joseph Conrads novella

In Joseph Conrads novella, the Heart of Darkness (1899), Conrad effectively presents the character of Charles Marlow through the heavy usage of Marlows personal narration throughout the novella. By using such a method of presentation, Conrad presents to the lecturer Marlows character, most important of which, his hypocrisy throughout his expedition through Africa. Marlows change from an idealistic European seeking work into one who has seen the heart of darkness is illustrated well by using him as the principal narrator, guiding the reader through his descent into madness due his sensitivity to the darkness. Charles Marlow is introduced to the reader by an unnamed narrator, one of five men aboard the Nellie. Of note, he unaccompanied is given a physical description by the narrator, of sunken cheeks and yellow complexion, clearly someone who has experienced suffering, even evident in this scam description. His physical appearance is not well, and the reader can infer that Marlows mental state is not much better, an implication that is soon confirmed by the novel. Shortly after being introduced, Marlow begins his tale, of how he sailed to Africa, comparing it to how the Romans may have felt when they went to the then uncivilized lands of modern London. He retells his experiences there as a member of the noble Company. In doing so, Marlows personality is described in great detail, more than the words themselves reveal. Conrads choice of using a skeletal frame narrative allows the reader to see Marlows perspective of events, and give a notable change in tone as the novella progresses. As he enters his story, Marlow tells the fate of his predecessor, a Dane named Fresleven, who ...went ashore and started to hammer the chief of ... ...searching for truth. As the narrator for the majority of Heart of Darkness, Marlow is recounting his experiences, and reliving his most horrible moments. As the Nellie sails nap the Thames into the dark emptiness, Marlow can on ly see the same, none of the light and brightness means anything. Conrads choice of making Marlow the principal narrator telling his feature story is an effective way of conveying his message to the reader. The reader will notice Marlows descent to madness, his conversations with others being the points of descent, and his thoughts being the indicators. Ultimately, Marlows tale makes it unvarnished that the idealism of anyone, regardless of how intelligent, educated or civilized, cannot survive in the all-consuming heart of darkness.Works CitedConrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness and The Secret Sharer. New York Signet Classics, 1997. Print.