Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness is considered by many to be one of the great pieces of english literature. The whole novel can be seen as an allegory for the iniquities that lie within the hearts of the main characters of the story, most noticeably Kurtz. Perhaps Conrad's intention was to convey that everyone, no matter how pure and unsuspecting their intentions may be, and everything has there own Heart of Darkness.
In Chicago, there are multiple examples of this, most prominently being the south side of the city. But there are many that strike closer to home as well, such as the Austin neighborhood adjacent to Oak Park. Even so, I think that many times we overlook the darkness that is closest to home in our own communities. While the Oak Park area is seen from the outside as a relatively well off, middle class neighborhood, its known that there are many struggling families within the area that some people may be blind to. The same can be said about many similar communities in the area. A Heart of Darkness can be found in many places, and especially in those places that are least expected.
This is interesting. I think that past Austin is definitely a heart of darkness to the people of Oak Park. You make a valid argument about looking past the darkness in our own homes and communities, and it is a new take on the question that I haven't heard of yet. Good job!
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