Psychoanalytic Reflections on Phallocentrism and Colonialism in Conrad’s Heart of Darkness

Abstract

This article discusses revelations of patriarchal along with colonial discourse and practice as poignantly adumbrated to coalesce and interact in Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness. In this respect, the misogynistic representation of female characters who are sketched as insubstantial mystified stereotypes in a heterosexist men’s world constitutes an important aspect of the narrative. Besides, the connotative depiction of the river – characterized by an antagonistic aura ascribable to the hinted juxtaposition of the Congo and the Thames – as a symbolically evocative topographical element encourages keen reflection. Last but not least, the implication of language as an influential instrument serving to the endorsement of colonialist as well as patriarchal causes is worth exploring from a psychoanalytic perspective featured by feminist sensitivity.

Keywords

• psychoanalysis
• Freud
• patriarchy
• misogyny
• colonialism
• Conrad