Referencing the Different Levels

Unfortunately, we often have a short lived memory for the atrocities of the past. What should be symbols of shame stand as proud representatives of a country’s glory. Yet, in Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, these monuments could also have a meaning related to Conrad’s alter ego. In chapter 19 of King Leopold’s Ghost by Adam Hochschild “The arch’s massive stone and concrete bulk brings to mind Conrad’s description of the unnamed European capital in Heart of Darkness as “the sepulchral city.” But of the millions of Africans whose labor paid for all this and sent them to sepulchers of unmarked earth, there is no sign” (294). With this allusion, the author could try recalling the strong feelings of anti-colonialism Heart of Darkness conveyed. Although he achieves such an effect, Hochschild could have chosen many other publications with a similar content. Particularly, choosing a book with such underlying meanings means Hochschild wants a similar effect in his work.

Those great monuments, part of “the sepulchral city” represent the images of success achieved through selfishness and materialism. With out enslaving his heart (Africa) to his mind (Europe) a monument like that would remain in the imagination. This unparalleled wealth led to squandering of the heart forgetting the sacrifices necessary to reach that ultimate achievement. Whether Conrad had to immolate friends, family or love to reach his goals no longer mattered. This lead to a death in life where the usual human characteristics disappear. Eventually his dead humanity would consolidate into a monument to that would turn that into the sepulchral city.

Anyhow, other than triggering such references from the reader, the deeper meaning of these works intend o obviate the underlying meaning and making the reader think. This allusion suggests the work wants active readers that will understand it. Also, the strong connection between this and the surrounding context make the connection between the two stands out. We could even find a similar process Conrad goes through his book but throughout the entire work.