Symbolism | Heart of Darkness | Joseph Conrad "Heart of Darkness" - Novella Written by Joseph Conrad. Published in 1899. Darkness of the human soul. Journey of Marlow into to the Congo. Symbols play a crucial role in conveying themes. Introduction About the Author What is the Symbolism? Symbolism and Its Role in Conveying Themes Conclusion References

1. Symbolism and Its Role in
Conveying Themes in
"Heart of Darkness"

2. Information
Name : Rajdeep Bavaliya A.
Roll No. : 12
Enrollment No.: 3176205820210012
Sem. : 5 (B.A.)
Paper Name : A Study of English Literature - 1
Paper No. : 11
Paper Code : 24253
Topic : Symbolism and Its Role in Conveying Themes in
"Heart of Darkness"
Submitted To : M.R.R. Monapara Arts College, SPEI, Bhavnagar,
Department of English
E-mail : rajdeepbavaliya2@gmail.com

3. Table of Contents

4. Introduction
• "Heart of Darkness" - Novella
• Written by Joseph Conrad.
• Published in 1899.
• Darkness of the human soul.
• Journey of Marlow into to the
Congo.
• Symbols play a crucial role in
conveying themes.

5. About the Author Joseph Conrad
• Józef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowski
• Born - 3 December 1857.
• Died - 3 August 1942.
• Nationality - Polish - British
• Occupation - Novelist, Short - Story Writer,
Essayist.
• Notable Works - Heart of Darkness (1899)
Lord Jim (1900)
Nostromo (1904)
• Major Themes of His Works
1. Effects of Colonialism
2. The Clash of Cultures
3. The Moral Dilemmas
4. Darkness Within Human Nature

6. What is the Symbolism?
•Hidden code.
•Instead of saying things
directly, authors use symbols,
like objects, actions,
characters, elements, places,
or colors, to represent
deeper meanings or ideas.

7. Symbolism and Its Role in Conveying Themes
1. The Congo River : Journey Into the
Unknown
• Represents both a physical journey
into the unknown and a metaphorical
journey into the depths of human
nature and the human psyche.
2. Ivory : Power and Corruption
• Symbol of greed, exploitation, and
the corrupting influence of power.

8. Symbolism and Its Role in Conveying Themes
3. Kurtz's Inner Station :
Power and Isolation
• Darkness within the human
soul.
• Corrupting influence of power
and isolation.
4. Heads on Pikes :
Brutality and Savagery
• That can result from unchecked
power and the absence of
societal norms.

9. Symbolism and Its Role in Conveying Themes
5. Darkness
• The literal darkness of the
African continent and the
metaphorical darkness within
human nature.
6. The Intended's White
Clothes: Illusion or Delusion
• Purity and innocence
• Illusion or delusion

10. Conclusion
Symbols in "Heart of Darkness" help us to grasp the
themes of human darkness and greed.
They serve as powerful tools to explore the
complexities of human nature and the consequences
of unchecked ambition.
Through these symbols, Conrad leaves us pondering
the depths of the human soul.

11. References
"Heart of Darkness Joseph Conrad." CliffsNotes. 2023.
https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/h/heart-of-darkness/heart-
of-darkness-at-a-glance
"Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad | Symbols." Course Hero. You
Tube. 28 November 2018. https://youtu.be/6YY7lQGsA-I?si=8X-
KbJQSnnldC0qf
"Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad." LitChart. 2023.
https://www.litcharts.com/lit/heart-of-darkness/symbols
Images. Google Sources.

12. Thank you.