Charles Marlow: Narrating the Darkness Essay -- Joseph Conrads novella

In Joseph Conrads novella, the Heart of Darkness (1899), Conrad effectively presents the character of Charles Marlow through the heavy usage of Marlows personal narration throughout the novella. By using such a method of presentation, Conrad presents to the contributor Marlows character, close to important of which, his hypocrisy throughout his expedition through Africa. Marlows neuter from an idealistic European seeking work into one who has seen the heart of lousiness is illustrated well by using him as the principal narrator, guiding the subscriber through his descent into madness due his sensitivity to the darkness. Charles Marlow is introduced to the lector by an unnamed narrator, one of five men aboard the Nellie. Of note, he alone is given a physical description by the narrator, of drop coldcock cheeks and yellow complexion, clearly someone who has experienced suffering, even diaphanous in this short description. His physical appearance is not well, and the comment ator apprize infer that Marlows mental state is not much better, an suggestion that is soon confirmed by the novel. Shortly after being introduced, Marlow begins his tale, of how he sailed to Africa, comparing it to how the Romans may have felt when they went to the then uncivilized lands of innovative London. He retells his experiences there as a member of the noble Company. In doing so, Marlows personality is described in great detail, more than the rowing themselves reveal. Conrads choice of using a frame narrative allows the reader to see Marlows perspective of events, and give a notable adjustment in tone as the novella progresses. As he enters his story, Marlow tells the compulsion of his predecessor, a Dane named Fresleven, who ...went ashore and started to hammer the chief of ... ...searching for truth. As the narrator for the legal age of Heart of Darkness, Marlow is recounting his experiences, and reliving his most horrible moments. As the Nellie sails down the T hames into the dark emptiness, Marlow can only see the same, none of the light and light means anything. Conrads choice of making Marlow the principal narrator heavy his own story is an effective way of conveying his message to the reader. The reader will notice Marlows descent to madness, his conversations with others being the points of descent, and his thoughts being the indicators. Ultimately, Marlows tale makes it apparent that the idealism of anyone, regardless of how intelligent, educated or civilized, cannot extend in the all-consuming heart of darkness.Works CitedConrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness and The Secret Sharer. tonic York Signet Classics, 1997. Print.