Victorianism and Modernism

While Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness fits perfectly into the genre of colonial literature, this novel also bridges the gap between Victorianism and Modernism beautifully. This novel is contrived of both Victorian values, with the creeping of modernist ideals as well as literary format. The hierarchy seen on the steamboat mostly throughout the second half of the novel, can be referred to as a sort of microcosm form the political hierarchy  that was going on in Victorian society from 1837 to 1901. The cannibals who do all the work for the pilgrims, represent the working class, while the the pilgrims can be seen as the nobility, expecting to reap the rewards obtained by the lower class. It also wouldn’t hurt to point out Conrad’s total attitude and lack of focus on women throughout the story as well, thus far, that is ever so present in Victorian literature. While still encompassing the traditional aspects of heroism, hierarchy, and sexism evident in Victorian literature, he charms the reader with his modernistic wit and structure. The more Modernistic forms are explored through his experimentation with non-chronological narratives, using a frame narrative to creatively capture the story. Conrad approaches Victorian concepts with the modernistic aspect of breaking old conventions to explain human experience more fully.

It will be interesting to see how these two very different forms of literature transcend throughout the rest of the novel, and how they can individually and/or collectively impact Conrad’s approach on imperialism.