Heart of Darkness #2 p.86-103

This section of the book highlights the illogical and unreasonable nature of colonialism. Many of the characters and situations that Marlow demonstrate the profound foolishness of their colonial endeavors. Shortly after setting out, Marlow describes an encounter with a white man who claims to be responsible or the upkeep of the road, but the only evidence of his efforts that Marlow comes across is "the body of a middle-aged negro, with a bullet hole in his forehead," (Conrad 87). The contrast between the ideas of a well maintained road, and one with a corpse laying on it is quite distinct to the rational mind. A person's reasonable thinking seems to degrade in the dark of Africa. Marlow's white companion, who is barely healthy enough to survive the journey, says that he is coming to make money, but can not reasonably expected to do well in Africa. Marlow indicates that he feels that his own mind may not be rational anymore by referencing the theory of the doctor from Brussels, and saying that he was "becoming scientifically interesting," (Conrad 88). The nonsensical nature of imperialism is most overtly presented by the Mr. Kurtz's painting. The painting depicts "a woman, draped and blindfolded, carrying a lighted torch," (Conrad 94). The idea of a light or flame was previously used to represent the culture and knowledge that colonialism was supposed to bring. However, the blindfold indicated that the person bringing the flame has never seen it them selves. They trying to bring something that they do not really understand.