the Natives became, they were still seen as being a lesser people to the whites.From racism, the idea of civilization vs. uncivilized life came about. Conrad used the “light and dark” difference regarding this. The light represented civilization – the civilized or “good” side of the world. And the dark represented the uncivilized and savage or “evil” side of the world. In the United States, as a nation, people live in a civilized culture. There are “police, bakers, and firemen.” There are laws mad to protect citizens and protect this country. The laws are to be abided by or consequences will be paid. There is very little to worry about. Now, imagine a world where there are no laws – no rules to follow. Imagine a world where there are no “police, bakers, and firemen.” Chaos comes to mind. “In he unconscious mind of each of us, slumber infinite capacities for reversion and crime. And our best chance for survival, moral survival, lies in frankly recognizing these capacities (Conrad H.O.D. 9).” No matter how civilized people are, if they were to be removed from all civilization, and placed into this wilderness of the world, the evil and darkness of their hearts would show through.Kurtz was a superb example of this idea. He was a civilized man who was put into uncivilized surroundings. He had intentions of civilizing a savage and uncivilized culture in which he did not realize, at the time, was much larger than what he could handle. He left for Africa coming from a civilized world and a “light” heart. But as soon as he was put into this new and savage world, he headed for a downward spiral into the darkness. This uncivilized wilderness brought out the darkness in Kurtz’s heart. His sudden change from laws, rules, and civilization to a culture in which he was free to do what he wanted with no restrictions, unleashed the greed and darkness of...
