In
Joseph Conrad's novella, Heart of Darkness, the representation of women is
extremely limited. Conrad's portrayals are extreme stereotypes meant to depict
the entire female gender. Through these extreme stereotypes, Conrad is able
to illustrate his themes of darkness and brutality.
Joseph Conrad depicts
only three main women in his novel: the aunt of Marlow, as well as the mistress
and his fiancee. These roles though limited in their descriptions, are meant
to represent the commonly perceived (as well as extremely stereotypical) positions
of women in society, i.e.: the mother, the whore and the dutiful Lady/virgin.
Conrad describes the aunt as a "dear and enthusiastic soul...ready to do anything,
anything for [Marlow]," (pg. 34). The mistress is described as "savage and
superb, wild-eyed and magnificent; there was something ominous and stately
in her deliberate progress," (pg. 101). While in contrast, Kurtz's fiancee
is described as ready to listen without......
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