Heart of Darkness First Published 1899 and 1902

Heart of Darkness First Published 1899 and 1902

Joseph Conrad 1857 – 1924 • Born in Poland but later takes British citizenship as an adult • Parents fought for Polish independence • Conrad orphaned by 11 years old • Varied working career and education • Extremely well educated

HEART OF DARKNESS Late 19 th and early 20 th century colonialism 5 million murdered or died of disease “Black Holocaust” Focus on greed, self-delusion, murder, evil Darkness of social corruption For 500 years “human treasure” was taken, but when slave trade ended “ivory treasure” took its place (rubber, diamonds and gold)

King Leopold II of Belgium 1835 -1909 • Severe exploitation of the Congo • Saw colonization as a noble cause • Belgian “destiny” to dominate other peoples • Missionaries gave cover to the real quest for wealth

MORE……… The “rape” of Africa Leopold exploited Christianity The Congo as a “free” state Trading for ivory turned into “raiding” for ivory A story about “The West against the Rest” Often considered a racist novel because of the lack of identity of the native Africans Conrad was a product of his time and probably racist but disgusted by what he saw in the Congo

Ivory Trade – 1890’s Ivory………. (a symbol of wealth) used for: • Piano keys • Art • Jewelry • Carvings • Other adornments

Slave Labor

Hands were lost due to being bound tightly as well as cut off as a trophy to signify an enemy killed.

One of the many political cartoons that helped turn public sentiment against colonization and the exploitation of Africa and its people.