Fog and Women

Reading Heart of Darkness seems to be a tedious process through all the imagery details, and numerous perspectives that are narrated. The book started off with heavy descriptions of the environment, where Conrad especially emphasized the fog. In addition to the imagery he wanted to give readers, I also think he wanted to incorporate a certain mood; eerie, gloomy, as the fog would ultimately distort communication and sight within the characters, as well as readers. I feel as though the use of describing a dark fog is crucial in understanding that there may be a foreshadowing within the book in which characters may get lost not only in their expeditions to the “center of the earth,” but also lost within communication with themselves and the natives they will soon encounter.
Assuming that Heart of Darkness deals with imperialism, violence and negligence with natives, and possibly chauvinist and pompous crew men, I was actually surprised as I read on the see that women had an influential position in society at that time. Though Marlow seems like a capable young man who certainly sets himself apart from other men in that he does not share the same imperialistic views, his aunt helped him get the job at the Company. Despite Marlow’s perspective on women’s roles ultimately being confined to homes enduring oppression, we soon learn that when he visits the Company, he meets several influential women that may be leading the adventurous expeditions. It’s not only Marlow’s aunt that awarded him with the job, but her praises of him seem to continue to reverberate throughout the Company’s journeys. I’m curious to read whether or not Marlow’s views on imperialism will change completely. He still agrees with some views concerning natives and imperialism, but I wonder if these views will disappear completely when he will encounter unbearable violence and oppression on his expedition.
posted by Jennifer J.