heart of darkness
... Joseph Conrad’s skillful blending and interweaving of symbolic elements in Heart Of Darkness provides the possibility of a multi-leveled reading of the work. ... We begin by looking at symbolism used in the psychological reading of Heart Of Darkness. ... Next, we look at the sociological reading and how the symbolism in Heart Of Darkness provides the possibility of this interpretation. ... The jungle gains complete control over him as he is overcome by the darkness. Obviously, the symbolic elements in the Heart Of Darkness make it possible for a sociological reading of the novel. Subsequently, we look at the biblical reading of the Heart Of Darkness and how the symbolism used assists in the interpretation. ... The evil snake, or Congo River, tempts Marlow into taking a bite of the apple, and therefore he is able to see his true evil self through the eyes of darkness. ... Finally, we look at Conrad’s use of symbolism in the Heart Of Darkness to illustrate a mythological reading of the work. ... In the story, the Helmsman is a cannibal, and therefore portrays the idea that whatever leads one along the path to darkness may consume one. ... At the center of Marlow there is darkness, yet he represents the light. Overall, it is clear to see that the Heart of Darkness may easily be read mythologically through symbolic elements. Clearly, Conrad’s Heart Of Darkness provides a multi-leveled reading through the use of symbolic elements.