Heart Of Darkness By Joseph Conrad Symbolism Analysis

There are symbols that represent many other things throughout the world. One of the main symbols in America is the bald eagle which represents strength and freedom for America. Similarly, there are many symbols throughout the novel Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. These symbols are displayed through the use of the main character, Charles Marlow and the people he encounters. Conrad utilizes his ability to present symbols such as fear, time, and race through many characters throughout the novel.
Fear plays a huge role throughout the novel. Marlow shows this fear as he fears what will happen as he sleeps on the ship; “when I shaved by a fluke some infernal sly old snag that would have ripped the life out of the tin-pot steamboat and drowned all the pilgrims; I had to keep a lookout for the signs of dead wood we could cut up in the night for next day's steaming.” Marlow becomes frightened by the fact that something could happen while he is on the ship. He does not know of anyone, or he but he is hoping for the best. The pilgrim’s key to survival is to stay healthy, therefore Marlow is scared that if he becomes sick then he may have to face death. The pilgrims also get terrified as they are out in the wild; "we capered on the iron deck. A frightful clatter came …show more content…
These symbols define the characters actions and the way that they act. Marlow’s actions depend on everyone around him. The fear that Conrad displays through Marlow depends on what will happen on the journey if they will get lost while the travel through the river, or if there is a storm that crashes and kills everyone on the ship. Conrad uses the delays to show Marlow having patience and helping him grow that. Also, Marlow assumes that if someone is pilgrim, they are automatically pure and godly. Him knowing that helps him sleep better at night so he doesn’t get worried. Conrad uses racial tension when the manager does not like anyone like