An image of Africa : Racism in Conrad's Heart of darkness by Chinua Achebe - Question answers

 

1. How are the native Africans described in the passage by Marlow?

Marlow describes the native Africans in dehumanizing terms, often compared to shadows, savages, or incomprehensible beings. He portrays them as suffering, starving, and subjugated, yet his descriptions lack individual identity, reducing them to mere elements of the environment rather than human characters.

 

2. What does the white thread around the native's neck symbolize to Marlow?

Marlow notices a thin white thread around the neck of one of the dying natives, which he interprets as a symbol of European colonialism. It represents a helpless life of the natives.

 

3. How does the accountant maintain his appearance despite the chaos around him?

The accountant takes great care to remain impeccably dressed, wearing spotless white clothing despite the surrounding filth and suffering. His polished appearance reflects the European obsession with order and control, even amidst the brutal realities of colonial exploitation.

 

4. What irritates the accountant while trying to work in his office?

The accountant is irritated by the groans of a dying native outside his office, as they disrupt his concentration. His indifference to human suffering underscores the dehumanization inherent in colonial rule. 

 

5. What does Chinua Achebe argue is the central issue with Conrad's portrayal of Africans in Heart of Darkness?

Achebe argues that Conrad’s portrayal of Africans is deeply racist, as it denies them voice, identify, and humanity. He criticizes Conrad for depicting Africa as a dark, primitive land. 

 

6. What does Achebe mean by "things being in their place" in his critique of Conrad?

Achebe suggests that Conrad’s narrative maintains a Eurocentrism where African existence is inferior. This idea of "things being in their place" reflects a colonial mindset that confines Africans to a position of inferiority, preventing them from being seen as fully realized individuals.

 

 

II. Answer the following questions in a paragraph of about 100 words each:

7. How does the passage illustrate the theme of dehumanization in colonialism, and what role does the depiction of the Africans play in this portrayal?

 

The passage illustrates the theme of dehumanization in colonialism by depicting native Africans as mere shadows, suffering bodies, or indistinct figures rather than individuals with identities. Marlow’s descriptions reduce them to objects, often compared  to animals or elements of the natural landscape. This portrayal marks the colonialist mindset that views Africans as inferior and justifies their exploitation. Africa is represented as uncultured, uncivilized and primitive land. The darkness in the  title symbolise the evil and ignorance.

 

8. Discuss how the contrasting descriptions of the native Africans and the European accountant reflect the moral and cultural divides present in Heart of Darkness's exploration of colonialism?

The sharp contrast between the suffering, dehumanized Africans and the carefully groomed European accountant highlights the deep moral and cultural divides in Heart of Darkness. While the Africans are portrayed as weak, dying figures reduced to their physical suffering, the accountant embodies European order, control, and detachment. This juxtaposition emphasizes the hypocrisy of imperialism—Europeans claim to bring civilization, yet they remain indifferent to the sufferings of the natives. The contrast also exposes the moral blindness of colonial officials who prioritize appearances over humanity.

 

9. According to Achebe, why does Conrad portray the African woman and European woman differently?

Achebe argues that Conrad’s contrasting portrayals of the African and European women reflect his racist and Eurocentric perspective. The African woman, depicted as wild, silent, and imposing, embodies the stereotypical “exotic other,” while the European woman, represented as delicate and idealized, fits the colonial notion of purity and civility. Achebe suggests that Conrad uses these depictions to mark a rigid racial hierarchy, where Africa and its people remain mysterious and dangerous. This binary portrayal denies African women's identity. 

 

10. How does Achebe critique Conrad's use of language when describing Africans?

Achebe critiques Conrad’s language for stripping Africans of individuality and humanity, reducing them to dark and mysterious figures defined by primitive sounds and physical suffering. This linguistic dehumanization aligns with racist colonial ideology, marks Africa as a place of darkness and savagery. Achebe also points out that while Conrad grants European characters rich psychological depth, he confines Africans to a voiceless existence, making them symbols rather than real individuals with identity and self.

 

 

III. Answer the following questions in an essay of about 300 words each:

 

11. Achebe argues that Heart of Darkness perpetuates racist stereotypes about Africa. In the context of the passage from Heart of Darkness, do you think Conrad's portrayal of Africa and Africans reinforces or critiques colonialist attitudes?

 

Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness is well known for its negative and inferior representation of Africa and its people.  The novel presents Africa as a dark, primitive land, devoid of history and civilization . The Africans in the text are largely voiceless and are described in ways that dehumanize them, portraying them as mysterious, suffering bodies or silent figures rather than as individuals with thoughts and emotions. 

However, some argue that Conrad critiques colonialism by exposing its brutality. The descriptions of suffering Africans highlight the cruelty of European imperialism, and Marlow’s disillusionment with Kurtz suggests a condemnation of colonial greed and moral decay. Yet, even in its critique, Heart of Darkness centers the European perspective, leaving the Africans as mere symbols rather than agents of their own fate. Conrad’s use of language marks their otherness, portraying them often animalistic terms while granting psychological depth only to European characters.

 

Ultimately, while Heart of Darkness reveals the horrors of imperialism, it does so in a way that still marginalizes African voices. Achebe’s critique is significant because it highlights how even a novel that critiques colonial exploitation can still perpetuate racist ideas by failing to grant full humanity to the colonized. 

 

12. How does Achebe's critique of Heart of Darkness challenge the Western literary canon's perception of the novel, and what implications does this critique have for understanding colonial literature?

 

Chinua Achebe’s critique of Heart of Darkness fundamentally challenges its status as a literary masterpiece by exposing its racial biases. Traditionally, the novel has been praised as a profound critique of colonialism and human corruption. However, Achebe argues that while it attacks European imperialism, it does so at the expense of Africans, portraying them as voiceless, primitive figures. By pointing out Conrad’s failure to recognize the full humanity of Africans, Achebe forces readers to reconsider the novel’s ethical and literary significance.

 

Achebe’s critique also raises  questions about the Western literary canon and its treatment of colonial literature. Many canonical works, written from a Eurocentric perspective, have historically depicted non-European cultures through the lens of imperialism, marking racial hierarchies. Achebe’s argument encourages a re-evaluation of such works, urging scholars and readers to recognize the perspectives that are marginalized or omitted. His criticism underscores the importance of including African voices in literary discourse, not just as subjects of Western narratives but as creators of their own stories.