Joseph Conrad and Heart of Darkness

Introduction to Joseph Conrad

Renowned Polish British writer.
Born on December 3, 1857, in Berdyshiv, Ukraine.
Regarded as one of the greatest novelists in the English language.
Notably did not speak fluent English until his twenties, with a strong foreign accent.
His non-native English encouraged precision in his writing style.
Identified as a master prose stylist, early modernist, literary impressionist, and realist.

Only child of Eva Bobrowska and Apollo Korzenyovsky, a poet and political activist.
Family involved in Poland's struggles for independence from Russian rule.
Father arrested for his activism in 1861; family moved to Chernihiv, Ukraine.
Mother's death from tuberculosis when Conrad was seven.
Father taught him Polish romantic poetry and introduced him to literature.
After father's death in 1869, Conrad was raised by his uncle, Tadeusz Bobrowski.
Suffered from poor health and anxiety; received private tutoring rather than formal education.

Inspired to become a sailor by reading nautical adventures; began sailing at age 16.
Joined French merchant ships, leading to a career at sea.
In 1890, served on a Belgian steamer in the Congo, which inspired "Heart of Darkness."

Published in 1899; originally serialized in Blackwood's magazine.
Not initially successful; criticized for its complexity and themes of incomprehensibility.
The story follows Charles Marlow, who travels up the Congo River to find ivory trader Kurtz.
Themes: imperialism, racism, morality, power dynamics, and a critique of European colonialism.
Draws parallels between Africa and London as "places of darkness."

Over time, grew in recognition and is now a staple in literature courses worldwide.
Praised for its portrayal of colonial horrors and psychological depth.
Critiqued for its portrayal of Africans and colonial attitudes, notably by Chinua Achebe.
Achebe viewed it as racist and dehumanizing, sparking ongoing debate in literary circles.
Inspired various adaptations in film, stage, and literature.

Achebe’s 1975 lecture labeled the novella "offensive" and criticized its portrayal of Africa.
Argues Conrad ignored the cultural achievements of African peoples and depicted Africa negatively.
Controversy surrounds whether to view Conrad's perspective as Marlow's or as author's.

Despite criticism, "Heart of Darkness" is influential in literature, regarded as a 20th-century masterpiece.
Joseph Conrad is celebrated as a significant literary figure globally.