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

In Joseph Conrads novella, the oculus of Darkness (1899), Conrad effectively presents the caseful of Charles Marlow by dint of the heavy usage of Marlows personal narration throughout the novella. By using such a method of presentation, Conrad presents to the reader Marlows character, most key of which, his hypocrisy throughout his expedition through Africa. Marlows change from an rarefied European get togetherking work into one who has seen the heart of disgracefulness is illustrated sound 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 only if is given a physical description by the narrator, of sunken cheeks and icteric complexion, clearly someone who has experienced suffering, even evident in this short description. His physical appearance is not well, and the reader can preten d that Marlows mental state is not much better, an implication that is soon confirmed by the novel. Shortly after being introduced, Marlow begins his recital, of how he sailed to Africa, analyze 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 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 d hold the Thames into the dark emptiness, Ma rlow can only see the same, none of the light and brightness performer anything. Conrads choice of making Marlow the principal narrator telling his own story is an effective way of conveying his message to the reader. The reader bequeath 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 apparent 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.