“Compare and Contrast Essay Sample on Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad “

Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness and Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now are two works that explore the themes of imperialism, morality, and human nature, though they are set in different time periods. While Heart of Darkness is based in the era of European imperialism in Africa, Apocalypse Now is set during the Vietnam War in Cambodia. Despite the differences in setting, both works explore the psychological and moral dilemmas faced by their protagonists as they navigate through environments devoid of societal rules. By examining these key differences, we gain deeper insights into Heart of Darkness and its themes.

Setting and Theme: War vs. Imperialism

One of the most striking differences between Heart of Darkness and Apocalypse Now is the setting. Heart of Darkness is set during European imperialism in the Congo, while Apocalypse Now takes place during the Vietnam War. Both settings share the common theme of moral ambiguity, questioning the justification of war and imperialism.

In both narratives, characters act without restraint in foreign lands where societal norms are absent. Apocalypse Now presents war as an accepted part of society, while Heart of Darkness critiques imperialism as a hidden war—one that operates under the guise of civilization and progress. Conrad uses Heart of Darkness to expose the dangers and illusions of imperialism, whereas Apocalypse Now serves as a commentary on how modern society views war in the same way that Europe once viewed imperialism.

Characterization: Marlow vs. Willard

The differences between the protagonists, Marlow and Willard, further emphasize the contrast between the two works.

• Marlow embarks on his journey out of a personal desire for adventure and self-discovery. He is uncertain of his final goal and gradually comes to understand the realities of imperialism. Marlow’s narrative is reflective, acknowledging that his story is incomplete.
• Willard, on the other hand, is a soldier with a clear mission: to assassinate Kurtz. His journey is not one of self-discovery but rather an obligation to follow orders. The contrast between Marlow’s personal exploration and Willard’s predetermined mission highlights the depth of Marlow’s transformation throughout Heart of Darkness.

Marlow himself reflects on the difficulty of grasping the full reality of his experiences, stating, “when you have to attend to…incidents of the surface, the reality…fades. The inner truth is hidden—luckily, luckily” (Conrad, 61). Without the contrast with Willard’s rigid duty, the personal nature of Marlow’s journey might not be as apparent to the reader.

Facing the Abyss: Moral Dilemmas

Another major difference lies in how Marlow and Willard each encounter their metaphorical “edge.”

• Willard’s edge comes when he stands on the steps of the Cambodian village, watching the people bow before him. He has the opportunity to take Kurtz’s place as their leader but ultimately chooses to abandon this path by throwing down his machete and leaving.
• Marlow’s edge represents a confrontation with death itself. He describes Kurtz as having “stepped over the edge” (Conrad, 132), implying that Kurtz has fully succumbed to the darkness within him. Marlow, on the other hand, says, “I had peeped over the edge myself… I had been permitted to draw back my hesitating foot” (Conrad, 132). The contrast between Willard’s and Marlow’s interpretations of the “edge” enhances our understanding of their character arcs.

The Impact of Comparison

While Heart of Darkness can be analyzed independently, viewing Apocalypse Now provides a new perspective on the novel’s themes. Through Willard, we see just how unprepared and naive Marlow is at the beginning of his journey. The setting in Africa during imperialism is crucial to Heart of Darkness, as it creates moral inconsistencies between Marlow’s observations and Europe’s justification for its actions.

By comparing the two works, readers gain a deeper appreciation for Conrad’s critique of imperialism and how it parallels the modern critique of war. This comparison highlights aspects of Heart of Darkness that may otherwise go unnoticed, making it a valuable exercise in literary analysis.

Conclusion

Examining Heart of Darkness through the lens of Apocalypse Now enhances our understanding of both works. The differences in setting, character motivation, and moral dilemmas highlight the themes of imperialism, war, and human nature. This comparison allows readers to appreciate the complexities of Conrad’s critique while drawing parallels to modern conflicts, proving that the moral questions raised in Heart of Darkness remain relevant today.

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