Theme Of Racism In Joseph Conrad's Heart Of Darkness

In regard to the question of whether Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness is racist or not, I personally believe it is. My answer is not from mere opinion, but is based off of several examples within the book such as: Conrad’s references towards the colored individuals, how the author uses insulting descriptions of the native people and their culture, and how the darker complected have many demeaning and insignificant roles within the book. The majority of the aforementioned examples stem mainly from Conrad’s use of syntax and diction when discussing the topic of black individuals. One prime example is Conrad’s excessive use of the n-word throughout the entire novel. There are a multitude of instances in which Conrad finds it necessary to predominately use the term “nigger” when referring to a black person. However, if “nigger” is not the intricate term selection,
They are subjected to physically tedious work without much compensation. What furthers the extent of injury here is Marlow, the narrator, referring to them as being in their place. This can be seen, as mentioned in Achebe’s article “An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad’s Heart of Darkness”, when Marlow says, “Fine fellows—cannibals—in their place”. Additionally, there is an instance on the steamboat when Marlow looks upon one of the cannibals at work contemplating on how well trained he was and how he was now in his right place. The constant put-down and incrementing insults which the author bombards these people with is very humiliating and detesting. Other than the enslavement, the rest of the book only mentions them as being violent, barbaric savages digging holes in declivities and fighting in frenzies such as the moment when the “savages” begin to shoot arrows at the boat for no apparent reason—or Marlow’s failure to care for their