Mid Sweden University

This project aims to illustrate the ambivalence, as it is presented in Heart of Darkness, and critically analyse the findings using postcolonial theory. Furthermore, by utilizing the concept of ambivalence, the present study aims to find indicative markers of criticism towards the colonial discourse. As demonstrated, Conrad interweaves ambiguous and irrational elements in his narrative structure. The research shows that Conrad undermines the colonial dialogue by initially claiming colonial superiority over the natives, only to debunk this through the nonsensical conduct of the white characters in the novella. This is arguably an intended critic on Conrad´s behalf directed at the European exploitation of the African continent, thus indicating moral awareness on his part. Moreover, the findings in this project support the argument that the author uses absurdities and confusion as a deliberate strategy to single out the contradictions in colonial oppression. Another noteworthy finding is how the author uses black and white to create uncertainty in the story. However, this is conducted with a twist since the colours not necessarily connote good or bad but are rather used for dramatic effect. This becomes obvious concerning the colonizers as they often dress in white, but their motives are depicted as black. Marlow´s character is depicted as ambivalent in his attitude on expansionism and this suggests that his role in the narrative is to question the imperialistic motives. Kurtz, on the other hand, appears to be a representative of the colonial power. Nevertheless, his role in the novella is complex since his final words “The Horror! The horror!” also indicate a moral conflict. A further conclusion is that the Harlequin is utilized as an archetypical figure that is a representation of the colonial powers, but also a spokesperson of Kurtz´s thoughts. Arguably, this creates a distance between Kurtz and the reader that adds to the mystique surrounding him. From a larger perspective, the findings of this project can be transferred to our contemporary society, since the symbolic value of ambivalence is commonly recurring in the modern discourse as well. The knowledge that things may not be what they appear becomes increasingly important, given the amount of information that surrounds the modern person of today. The findings in this study can be used to illustrate conflicting ideals within a certain discourse, but also as a starting point for further research in a postcolonial context. Furthermore, the present analysis has provided a new perspective on postcolonial ambivalence since this concept has been applied singularly to the colonizers. This demonstrates that ambivalence can be a useful tool to develop arguments concerning colonial aspects, not only as a comparative device but also to contrast features within colonialism.