Feminist View: This story is drowning in imperialism as Marlow describe his “adventure” in Africa and the Company’s treatment of the country and the natives as the lust for both money and power (by any means necessary) has taken control of the invaders. Imperialism is largely a masculine enterprise. Women only further the men's agenda, particularly in the story:
1. Marlow's aunt uses her wealth and connections to land Marlow a job with the Company that sends him to the Congo.
2. Women ushered Marlow in to meet the Company director (before he leaves for Africa) and then quietly resume their knitting.
3. Kurtz's alliance with a native woman, who is obviously a leader among her people, solidifies his power as he takes control of the villages. She is a tool for him.
Besides these tasks, the women are silent and mysterious for most of the story. They’re seen but not heard from, like the knitters or the mistress who speaks a language Marlow and the readers don’t understand. Marlow thinks that …show more content…
The id is unconscious and instinctual. The ego is conscious and is what helps to keep the id in check with reason. The superego also contributes to control actions, but it is the direct result of societal expectations. Kurtz, while formerly the epitome of the noble European man (superego), turns into what can only be described as “savage,” shown by his choices in decoration: "Curious, this feeling that came over me that such details would be more intolerable than those heads drying on the stakes under Mr. Kurtz's windows…that was only a savage sight…" (Conrad). He has abandoned the powers of the superego that regulate his behavior and given into the savage within. Kurtz has given into id, a mind that is in a lustful and irresistible state, tempting human nature. While in the heart of darkness, Kurtz has no laws to follow, luring him to make his own
1. Marlow's aunt uses her wealth and connections to land Marlow a job with the Company that sends him to the Congo.
2. Women ushered Marlow in to meet the Company director (before he leaves for Africa) and then quietly resume their knitting.
3. Kurtz's alliance with a native woman, who is obviously a leader among her people, solidifies his power as he takes control of the villages. She is a tool for him.
Besides these tasks, the women are silent and mysterious for most of the story. They’re seen but not heard from, like the knitters or the mistress who speaks a language Marlow and the readers don’t understand. Marlow thinks that …show more content…
The id is unconscious and instinctual. The ego is conscious and is what helps to keep the id in check with reason. The superego also contributes to control actions, but it is the direct result of societal expectations. Kurtz, while formerly the epitome of the noble European man (superego), turns into what can only be described as “savage,” shown by his choices in decoration: "Curious, this feeling that came over me that such details would be more intolerable than those heads drying on the stakes under Mr. Kurtz's windows…that was only a savage sight…" (Conrad). He has abandoned the powers of the superego that regulate his behavior and given into the savage within. Kurtz has given into id, a mind that is in a lustful and irresistible state, tempting human nature. While in the heart of darkness, Kurtz has no laws to follow, luring him to make his own