When is the symbolism of black and white in Heart of Darkness most apparent?
Heart of Darkness is categorized as a novella, written in 1899 by Joseph Conrad. The story is narrated by Marlow, who describes his voyage up the Congo River and his search for the mysterious ivory trader, Mr. Kurtz. The question of ever present contrast between black and white is best illustrated by a painting that Marlow encounters early in his journey. This painting depicts white blindfolded woman placed in a black background, who is holding a torch in her hand. She is supposed to be the symbol of light that Europeans are ‘’bringing’’ to Congo.