Heart of Darkness Discussion Questions
Review: Group Discussion Question Guidelines
By design, H of D is one of the most ambiguous, ambivalent works of its time, so these questions steer toward interpretive and often multiple answers. None-the-less, cite specific quotations, passages and page numbers.
Where does the introduction or “frame” to the more general narrative take place and among whom (who is telling the story to whom, and where)? How is this (the choice of characters, narrator and setting) relevant to the novella's larger themes?
In addition to “the heart of darkness”, what sorts of terms does Marlow use to describe the African wilderness? Do you think these terms can be taken at face value – do they accurately represent Conrad’s view of the African jungle – or do they represent Marlow’s inaccurate perception of Africa (or both)?
What is the symbolic purpose of “rivets” (Marlow waits for them at the second station). What keeps men like the chief accountant and Marlow from becoming like Kurtz?
How does “ivory” play a larger, symbolic/representative role in the story. (hints of the century: “whited sepulcher”, “The word ‘ivory’ rang in the air, was whispered, was sighed. You would think they were praying to it.” (second station) “Oh I wasn’t touched. I was fascinated. It was as though a veil had been rent. I saw on that ivory face the expression of somber pride, of ruthless power, of craven terror – of and intense and hopeless despair.”(just before “the horror”))
What do you think Kurtz has done?
What does Marlow respect about Kurtz? Does this respect in some ways seem justified or justifiable? Compare this respect to contrasting judgments “They only showed that Mr. Kurtz lacked restraint in the gratification of his various lusts. …he was hollow at the core.” (Marlow discussing the heads in Kurtz’s compound)
What is “the horror”, what is its nature, and where does it reside? Does Kurtz take it with him from Europe into Africa, in his “whited sepulcher” of a heart, and then impose it on the Africans; or does discover and adopt “savagery” or “barbarism” and apply it toward his colonial purpose; or . . . ? What clues support the different interpretations of the nature of “the horror”?
What is the significance of these being Kurtz’s final words, his conclusion or judgment? Are reader’s to trust this judgment at face value or, given who speaks them, take them ironically? How does “exterminate the brutes” fit into this judgment?
Compare Kurtz’s African bride with his “intended”. Does Conrad imply a degree of respect for one or the other, both, neither?
Why does Marlow lie to Kurtz’s “intended”? Does Marlow lie to Kurtz’s intended; in other words, might Marlow’s response – “He spoke your name.” – be interpreted ironically, and if so, how does this shape larger thematic meaning?
Once you've answered all these questions and taking them as a whole, try to summarize The Heart of Darkness's central theme or themes in a couple sentences.