Q: Why do you think Marlow begins his tale of a journey to the heart of darkness with an account of London in "very old times, when the Romans first came here" (para. 11)? What is the connection between London in Roman times and the English colonization of Africa?
Marlow's choice to speak of London's past in comparison to Africa's present is mainly to create a common ground for the two areas of inhabitance. This connection allows for the reader to focus on the similarities between the two nations, instead of the projected differences in regards to civilization. Marlow exposes the reality of London's past in that it too had experienced an era of darkness when finally the Romans changed that by bringing "light" to the situation, therefore clarifying London's similarities to Africa. Consequentially, Marlow seems to emphasize that the Londoners should not feel an air of superiority in association to the Africans. Ultimately, he goes to show that one's perception of London is only a result of what the Romans made of out it, otherwise it would be identical to the circumstances of Africa. This account sets up for the English colonization of Africa by laying out the facts of the perception of individual identity and social relations.
No comments:
Post a Comment