Is Conrad Racist?

Heart of Darkness is a novella written by Joseph Conrad about a voyage up the Congo River. Conrad uses the main character of Marlow in order to recount his trip. In Heart Of Darkness, Conrad talks about the British imperialism where he describes the way the natives were treated in their land, as well as how the colonial expansion in Africa led to the spread of racism. Many readers believe that Conrad is a realist because his novel showed the real aims of imperialism which claim that colonialism came to civilize Africans. However, others classify Conrad as a racist because of his ugly description of the black Africans and his support to colonial policies against the natives in Africa. So, the question here is whether Conrad was racist in his novella or not.

In the article, “An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad’s Heart of Darkness,” Chinua Achebe describes the novella, Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, as being racist. Heart of Darkness projects the image of Africa another world that is the antithesis of Europe and therefore of civilization. According to Achebe, it is not the differences that worries Conrad but the lurking hint of kinship or of common ancestry to the native Africans.

Achebe accounts for Conrad's racism against black Africans because of his personal history. For instance, his text states that "there remains still in Conrad's attitude a residue of antipathy to black people which his peculiar psychology alone can explain. His own account of his first encounter with a black man is very revealing: A certain enormous buck nigger encountered in Haiti fixed my [Conrad's] conception of blind, furious, unreasoning rage, as manifested in the human animal to the end of my days. Of the nigger I used to dream for years afterwards." Conrad's own experiences and perceptions with black people could therefore have seeped into the way in which he conveys this race within his own writing. For this reason, Achebe sees Heart of Darkness as a racist text, one "which parades in the most vulgar fashion prejudices and insults from which a section of mankind has suffered untold agonies and atrocities in the past and continues to do so in many ways and many places today. [He is] talking about a story in which the very humanity of black people is called into question." However, Achebe partly does save the reputation of Conrad when he concedes that "Conrad did not originate the image of Africa which we find in his book. It was and is the dominant image of Africa in the Western imagination...Conrad saw and condemned the evil of imperial exploitation but was strangely unaware of the racism on which it sharpened its iron tooth." This is because his novella novel continues to perpetuate the damaging stereotypes of black people.

Although Achebe makes many valid points, I do not believe that Joseph Conrad intended to make Heart of Darkness a racist work. I think that the racism found in the novella is based on the reader's own interpretation of civilization, savagery, and morality. Contrary to promoting racism, the novella promotes the essence of humanity, in that all human beings contain their very own heart of darkness. Conrad was attempting to exemplify the cruelty of the European imperialists by using Marlow’s perception of his African surroundings. Nonetheless, since Heart of Darkness remains Conrad's key piece of literary work, this debate is ongoing. Since the story of Marlow corresponds so neatly with Conrad’s own biography, it is easy to assume among others that Marlow reflects Conrad’ own perspective and prejudice beliefs.

Response to Brontë's Wuthering Heights

Wuthering Heights, written by Emily Brontë takes the idea of the moors to a whole new symbolic level. The novel itself takes place on Yorkshire moors, which ultimately establishes a country setting. Like Brontë herself, the characters of her one and only novel—yes, sadly it’s true---grow up in an isolate environment. This degree of isolation in turn spurred the encounter of two differing households both externally and internally—Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange. This novel made me realize just how impactful a novel’s setting can be. Brontë cleverly utilizes this setting not only as a plot device, but also as a way to convey to people that we are products of our own environments.

The wild and desolate moors are set against the drama unfolding in the two houses that are stark contrasts from one another not only in appearance but also by their inhabitants. Lockwood explains at the novel's opening, "Wuthering" is "a significant provincial adjective, descriptive of the atmospheric tumult to which its station is exposed in stormy weather.” It is said to be haunted by ghosts, and exudes an ominous mood. Mystery and mysticism govern the lives of those who live there, ultimately making it 'A perfect misanthropist's heaven.” This is never more evident than Heathcliff himself. Scarred by the loss of Catherine, he lives his life emersing himself within plots of revenge. Thrushcross Grange is a very classy, civilized estate and living in a place like this would bring a lot of status with it. Unlike Wuthering Heights it is located in a pleasant location that is not subject to severe storms.  It is quite a sheltered place down in the valley and this is something that is common with its children - they tend to be sheltered and spoilt. For this reason, Edgar Linton is regarded as a poised and proper man. Although both estates are wealthy, there is a definite difference in class between them and this bears on the ability of the characters from both estates to socialize with each other.  By growing up in the manner they did, they viewed each other’s family with concern. For example, when Catherine was forced to stay at Thrushcross Grange after being bitten by a dog, Heathcliff was upset when she returned bearing the traits of the Lintons—the same people who look down upon him for his dirty clothes. There’s no wonder why Heathcliff would feel this way, when he was raised in a whole different manner.

Heathcliff clearly grew up in the novel as a double outsider. Not only was he adopted into the Earnshaw family, but his appearance falls short of the others (i.e., he is described as a “dark skinned gypsy”). Growing up in a household where he was constantly mistreated by Hindley, Heathcliff was able to find comfort in Catherine. However, both her marriage to Edgar and her death left him alone in the world. In addition, the isolation of this household meant that there weren’t various other households and civilians nearby, meaning that he was left to endure it on his own. In a way, Catherine was Heathcliff’s safe haven. The lost of her presence left him with nothing positive to focus on. Consequently, he emerged into a man of revenge—one who rebelled against his tormentor and opponents (Hindley and Edgar). Wuthering Heights is a constant reminder of just impacted we are by our surroundings and upbringing. It's messages carry on into the 21st century where it is deservingly deemed as a work of literary merit.

"Base Details" by Siegfried Sassoon

The poetic work "Base Details" scorns senior officers who neglected and understated the sacrifices made by the youth on the battlefield. The title is itself a pun since a soldier’s "detail" was that person's assignment in war. The majors were detailed to work at base, which in this case contains a double meaning: it refers to the base camp of the soldiers as well as base in a low moral sense. Through the use of visual imagery Siegfried Sassoon is able to covey the speaker’s disdain towards war.

The speaker’s thought depict the poem’s central message—the fact that officers’ callously lead their troops to death. For instance, he states that he would “speed glum heroes up the line to death” (3). By describing the soldiers are described as “glum heroes” (3), the poet showcases the sullen and melancholic state that these soldiers tend to find themselves in. This sentence also suggests that officers carelessly issue orders which prompt unnecessary deaths. In addition, the speaker speculates that if he were a major, he too would have a ““puffy, petulant face” (4) and would spend his time “guzzling and gulping in the best hotel” (5). The poem presents a scathing image of the senior officers who sent their young men to die in battle, while they indulged themselves in luxurious excesses. In fact, the writer’s diction helps the audience envision officers as men who are fat and out of shape due to their constant eating and drinking. The speaker’s contempt stems from the fact that the majors are spoiled while those who actually sacrifice their life are overlooked. 

Furthermore, the speaker also belittles the majors by portraying their indifferent attitudes when they hear the news of the dead soldiers. They refer to the battle lightly by referring to it as “a scrap” (8), and express concern for certain young men only because they knew the father. To the speaker these remarks indicate that the officers do not seem overly concerned about loss of soldiers’ lives but instead care more about their own. The speaker resents that the majors can “toddle safely home and die—in bed” (10) while the youth, on the other hand, are “stone dead” (9). Those who give the main orders are safe behind the lines. The lower echelons who have to carry them out are the ones exposed to warfare and death. The word “toddle” draws reference to the steps of young children. In a way, the majors are acting as if they are children by disregarding the seriousness of war and instead treating it as if it were a game.

In short, Sassoon utilizes visual imagery to criticize the older officers who profited at the expense of young soldiers. As readers, this poetic device enables us to grasp a better understanding of the bitterness that is expressed throughout the poem."Base Details" is an example of anti-war sentiment. Its portrayal of the cynical nature of military majors conveys the speaker’s contempt towards the callousness of those in charge of sending men to war.

Are We There Yet?

The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues. In 1984 by George Orwell, the author uses satire in order to criticize the flaws of a totalitarian government. The author utilizes irony, sarcasm and exaggeration to highlight his criticism so that people of a potential dystopian future if they turned to Communism as the answer for their problems.

In the novel, the controlling party's name Ingsoc whose idealized hero is called Big Brother.The party maintains control with the ironic use of doublethink: the ability to think two completely contradictory thoughts at the same time, believing both to be true. The irony in 1984 by George Orwell is embodied in the party's slogan: War is Peace; Freedom is Slavery; Ignorance is Strength. The party slogan holds different meanings, depending on who's reading it, making it an intelligent example of verbal irony. The stark contradictions in each individual oxymoron places emphasis on the overall absurdity of Ingsoc their governmental beliefs. Another example of irony is seen in the three ministries, that complete tasks contrary to their name. For instance, The Ministry of Truth fabricates lies; the Ministry of Love specializes in torture; the Ministry of Plenty causes shortages; and the Ministry of Peace wages war. Once again, Orwell does so in order to captivate his reader's attentions so that they could realize the satirical nature of his novel.

As for sarcasm it can be seen in the location where Winston lives. He lives in the Victory Mansions, Victory Mansions, an apartment for Outer Party members in what used to be London. However, there is nothing victorious about it. The author uses its name as a form of mockery by describing it in poor quality. Orwell criticizes the Party's neglect of living conditions, which fall short for those who are even in the inner party.

The exaggeration utilized by Orwell is seen in the extreme deprivation of freedom from the people. For instance, the states that the people own nothing "except the few cubic centimetres inside your skull." (29) This showcases how they are not even allowed to think for themselves, The main character, Winston, lives in a society where the government practices mind control. This is never more evident than the fact that people are led to believe that "2+2=5." (29) Exaggeration is also seen by the censorship and surveillance within the book. On the telescreens, figures for all types of production are grossly exaggerated in order to indicate an ever-growing economy, when the reality is consonantly recessed. Once again the citizens are shown what to believe. Censorship is seen in the Ministry of Truth where photographs are modified and public archives rewritten to rid them of "unpersons" (people who the Party decided to erase from history).One small example of the endless censorship is when Winston is charged with the task of eliminating a reference to an unperson in a newspaper article. As for surveillance, there are telescreens and hidden microphones everywhere that enable the government to see what people are doing, This reinforces the idea that "Big Brother is Watching You". Orwell criticizes the government's possessive control on its people. The fear of being caught causes people to become obedient citizens.

Overall, Orwell utilizes irony, sarcasm, and exaggeration to criticize totalitarian governments and denounce Stalinism. The author does so in order to raise awareness amongst members of the free world. The chilling warning in 1984 constantly remind us to question whether or not we are enabling our governments to this futuristic society--hopefully not!

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

I've recently started reading 1984 by George Orwell. This was one of the novels that I was always informed but never got my hands a hold of. I specifically remember discussions about this book in my freshman world history class. Orwell critiques the notions and practices of totalitarian regimes by establishing one of his very own. 1984 is set in Oceania-- a place where the Party scrutinizes human actions with ever-watchful Big Brother. The party itself maintain three slogan: the party's three slogans: "War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength." This was created to manipulate the population of Oceania. To the people, however, the slogan simply means that world peace cannot be obtained without war, that their ignorance promoted optimism. If the public knew the true state of which Oceania was in and how they had been fooled and manipulated, they would rebel, and thus take away the Party's power. To the Party, this slogan keeps the public in check via the "scare tactic". Why so? Because a frightened population is easier to manipulate.

Winston, the main character, lives in a society where individuals and independent thinking are persecuted. Everywhere Winston goes, the government has direct control over its people, whether it be through censorship, surveillance, or propaganda. For instance, it invented language called Newspeak, which attempts to prevent political rebellion by eliminating all the words related to it. If one even thinks rebellious thoughts then they are violating the law--known as "thoughtcrime." Winston commits this crime by keeping a diary. Although it is illegal, it provides him the platform to express his freedom that is constantly oppressed by the government. In fact, the governments overpowering control carries along with him in his day to day job. He works in the Ministry of Truth, which is responsible for propaganda and historical revisionism. His job is to rewrite past newspaper articles and destroy documents that do not contain the revisions, so that the historical record always supports the party line. I do not even want to imagine what it would be like living in a society like that.

Not to mention, the government sees EVERYTHING that you are doing. The party is able to oversee it's citizens actions through the use of telescreens and televisions. They even utilized children as a means of keeping tabs on their parents. The notion that "Big Brother is Watching You" instills fear in the people and reminds that their every move is under surveillance. One thing I admired about Winston was his desire to defy conventionality. Although one's ability to love others (which I find absolutely ridiculous) is banned by the government, Winston ends up establishing a relationship with a female character named Julia. By reading this novel I was truly witnessing the journey of one's fight against an oppressive regime. 

Overall, I truly enjoy reading this book. So far it has captivated my attention and enticed me with its plot. The more I read it this dystopian novel more I appreciate and value the freedom and personal rights that I am able to practice today. Orwell's work is making a move to earn a spot on my list of favorite novels. 

Othello or Iago: Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe

Hey Iago, I have one question:

I'm sure we've all heard about lies and how, when believed, they can prompt people to react irrationally. In William Shakespeare's Othello, Iago's evil pursuit to bring about Othello's downfall spurs him to disperse various lies. However, it is Othello's insecurity, gullible nature and overpowering jealousy that is to blame for for the outcome of this tragedy. 

In the play, Iago first reveals that he hates Othello because he was named his ancient rather than his lieutenant. His fury stems from the fact that Cassio, an arithmetician, was given the position over somebody with abundant war experience. Later on, Iago adds to our knowledge by exposing the rumored belief that Othello slept with his wife, Emilia. Off the bat, we know that Othello was the sole root of Iago's cunning plan. Perhaps if he had given Iago the position in the first place, none of this would have occurred. But, this is Shakespeare's work. What fun would that be?

Throughout the play, Othello never once thought of questioning Iago’s virtue until it was eventually exposed by Emilia. Therefore, it did not occur to him that the "honest" Iago was harboring heaps of animosity. When Othello ironically stated that "Iago is most honest" (29), he showcased how he was placing reliance and honor onto the name of a manipulative liar. Othello's trust ultimately enables Iago to place him into "a jealousy so strong that judgement cannot cure" (28). He does so by planting seeds into Othello's mind. After Iago raises Othello’s suspicions about his wife’s fidelity, Othello begins to ponder about the state of his marriage. Rather than confronting Desdemona or Cassio, he becomes a gullible fool. A prime example is when Iago's words seeped into Othello's mind and prompted him to endure a trance. Although there was no concrete evidence that supported Iago's accusations, Othello allowed himself to become vulnerable.

This vulnerability is in part because of Othello's insecurity. As an old black man, he acknowledges a stark contrast between him and his beautiful white wife. Although, Othello is undeniably in love with Desdemona, he never seems to accept the fact that he is worthy of her choice. As evidence, he stated, “Haply for I am black, And have not those soft parts of conversation that chamberers have…” (48). He makes it clear how he deduces that the color of his own flesh prevents him from showcasing the same elegance as others. These insecurities prompt Othello to suspect that Desdemona could one day cheat on him with someone more appealing to the eye. And who other than Cassio? A handsome Florentine who is educated in the arts of courtesy and eloquence. It's clear why such thoughts drove Othello mad.

Equally important is the fact that at the very end of the tragedy Othello claims how he was "one that loved not wisely but too well" (91). This showcases his own admission of fault. He enabled his deep love for Desdemona to poison him with a fatal dose of jealously. In fact, it is Othello who ends up killing himself--figuratively and literally. Shakespeare showcases how lies can be easily disguised as truths, but how it is our own responsibility to decipher between the two. Failure to do so is a failure we bring upon ourselves. For this reason, Othello is the one to blame.

Amidst all the drama, I'm sure even Maury agrees with my decision. 

The Chemical Reaction of Culture

Culture and identity serve as two peas in a pod. However, before abruptly delving into the ways that culture can help or hinder someone's identity, I first want target the meaning of the word culture. To some, it is defined as the traditions inherited by one's own nationality, ethnicity, and family. It can include belief systems, the media, as well as a combination of morals and goals influenced by our surroundings. I view culture through an interesting perspective: a scientific lens. If you are not a lover of biology then please bear with me...

Culture is just like an enzyme—you know the biological molecules that act as catalysts and help complex molecular reactions occur in life. For some people, culture serves as the catalyst for the way in which they act. This is true for the character Bigger Thomas in Richard Wright's novel Native Son. In fact, Bigger's life exemplifies the enzyme-substrate complex. Bigger, as the substrate, binds to the societal enzyme. If you know your science, you know that in any chemical reaction a product is formed. In this case, the product is a "native son"—an individual whose life is shaped by his/her environment and is told since birth who he or she is supposed to be.

Bigger's identity is hindered by his setting in a racially divided culture. As a result of growing up in Chicago during the 1930s, he is exposed to racial oppression. The color of his skin deems him inferior and strips him away from the same opportunities offered to whites. Not only is Bigger a black man, but he is an impoverished one as well. His family resides in a rat-infested apartment in the “black belt” of Chicago—the area in which black citizens are confined to live. Such conditions lead him to fall into the violent, aggressive black man stereotype fabricated by society. Flying airplanes, joining the military, and attending college are all the things that he is taught only white people are capable of doing. This ideology lends him to his participation in petty crimes with his gang of friends. For this reason, his rape and murder of Mary Dalton and Bessie serve as no surprise, since it was society that formulated the recipe for a criminal. Without realizing it, Bigger's irrational behavior served as an obsequious bow to the way society wanted him to be. Rather than being able to create an identity of his own, society practically handed him a false one.

So how exactly did Bigger's culture help his identity? Well...it sparked his quest throughout the novel in the first place! Bigger’s actions were triggered by his experiences as a black male in American society. Although he was given a death sentence for his crimes at the end of the novel, the trial itself led him to his conversation with his lawyer, Boris A. Max. This was a significant moment in the novel since Max helped Bigger realize that he was a product of his environment. In addition, the murders that society triggered Bigger to commit enabled him to uncover more about himself. This is expressed when Bigger made the declaration that what he "killed for must've been good". His ability to hide his murders for a period of time helped him realize that he is just as smart as whites and that he has the ability to assert himself against their oppression.

Sadly, Bigger ended his journey in the state of feedback inhibition. Despite finally coming upon a new understanding of his life, the end product of all his actions will be his death. He no longer has the chance to start over in order to formulate his new sense of identity. In feedback inhibition, the end product of a reaction deactivates the enzyme and limits its activity. Although Bigger will face death, he can die knowing that he will not blindly continue his life as part of society's formula for the production of native sons. This realization in itself lends Bigger Thomas to murmur the words "I'm alright now" at the novel's close.