Heart of Darkness Part 1 Reflection

In Part 1 of Conrad's Heart of Darkness, characters such as Marlow are portrayed not only by their initial descriptions but by their actions as well. These characters set the mood of the book by expressing their feelings toward scenarios described.

When Marlow is introduced, he is described thoroughly by the narrator which suggests that Marlow is an important character. He is described as not only a seaman but also as a wanderer. Marlow is not only described in great detail but also begins telling stories of his seaman life. The author does not break off from Marlow’s story telling often to almost give Marlow the title of the narrator. Through this, there is a steady mood that is suggested as Marlow explains his thoughts. Marlow often tells about are his encounters or viewings of black slaves being treated harshly. He describes the black men in great detail and how he “could see every rib, the joints of their limbs were like knots in a rope…” He also describes the a black man “…being beaten near by…” and how he “saw him, later on, for several days, sitting in a bit of shade looking very sick and trying to recover himself…”  By using these details, the author suggests that Marlow does not see these people as unimportant but as something interesting.  Marlow also describes them as “…not enemies, they were not criminals, they were nothing earthly now, -- nothing but black shadows of disease and starvation, lying confusedly in the greenish gloom” and how he “found nothing else to do but to offer him one of my good Swede’s ship’s biscuits…” Through these things, the author suggests that Marlow feels a bit of compassion towards these black people and how he “…stood horror-struck…” when viewing how the bad treatments effected them. Not only does Marlow observe the black people, but he also observes a painting in the manager’s room. He describes the painting in great detail and explains that it “arrested” him. Marlow spends time pondering on both the black people and things such as details in a house. Through this the author suggests that Marlow is not just an adventurer but a thinker and that he has a compassion for other things other than the material lifestyle.

By Marlow describing his past experiences and his feelings towards them to the four men with him, an observant yet sympathetic mood is illustrated. While Marlow describes his experiences in great detail, he also describes the way these experiences made him feel while they were taking place. Marlow does not end his complete thought until he expresses his reaction to what is going on around him. Whether it be the black salves, people talking about Mr. Kurtz, or how he felt when the boat sunk, he does not fail to describe his emotions in detail and how he outwardly expressed them. It’s almost as if Marlow forgets he is talking to four people and is just freely expressing his thought processes during his experiences. Through this, Marlow is seen as an observant yet sensitive person and therefor sets the mood of the first part of Conrad’s Heart of Darkness.