Essay --

The importance of cultural context deep down any type of text is essential in order to illumine a distinct argument. In Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness, a novella starring the experiences of an ivory trader in Central Africa named Charles Marlow, unhomogeneous themes of racism and human cruelty are discussed in relation to its contextual features. The contract Apocalypse at present by Francis Ford Coppola adapts this idea of implementing a correlation between its central ideas to a specific cultural context as well. The central research question this extended essay focuses on is how do different features used in Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad and the film version of Apocalypse Now by Francis Ford Coppola help remark imperialism? In Heart of Darkness and Apocalypse Now, the struggle between the barbaric nature of the natives and the oppressive nature of Imperialism is questioned through the use of characterization of various factors. Before Kurtz, the main antagonist i n both texts, is even introduced in either the novella or the film, details are revealed about him through Marlow and Willard, the protagonists of the two texts. The gruesome nature of imperialism is revealed through Marlow and Willard journey through the jungles. The roughshod state in which the slaves are illustrated opens Marlows eyes to the cruelty of slavery. Similarly, Willard witnesses the pain the locals experience on a daily basis, such as the modality they are treated. The journeys of both protagonists project the overall negativity associated with imperialism, which helps the audience in understanding the soldiers psychological states before Kurtz makes an appearance. Although Colonel Kurtz is the antagonist in both texts, he is admired by the two protagonists,... ...h is not restrained by tender conventions, Imperialism attempts to justify its savagery. The very fact Imperialists claim to be fighting to the sanity of the world demonstrates the corrosive effects it has not only in a confined area, but also to neighboring cultures. By delving deeper into the characters subconscious and the confessedly nature of Western Imperialism, the absurdity of what really is considered true evil is questioned by both Conrad and Coppola. Despite the fact colonization in various move of the world officially ended in the 60s, different systems of validatory rule were put in place because of continued interest in some parts. Both Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad and Apocalypse Now by Francis Ford Coppola are aware of this continued, albeit unfortunate practice, and represents the futility of expecting the eradication of imperialist values.