Heart of Darkness by Joseph Condrad and Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka Analysis - Essay Example

 Heart of Darkness and Metamorphosis Name: Course: Tutor: Date: Introduction It would not be a mistake to suggest that art plays an important role in the development of the human civilization. Indeed, for a considerable number of centuries it has been used as an effective tool to reflect on some of the most important issues that concern the society. It is rather obvious that the humanity has always been interested in the ambiguity of life which is manifested in the relationship between what is visible and what is hidden beneath the surface. The two texts, namely Heart of Darkness by Joseph Condrad and Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, deal with this issue. This paper will provide a careful analysis of the way show that the outside and the inside many not reflect each other all the time and, sometimes, can actually be quite the opposite. Heart of Darkness One of the major themes that the text in question is dedicated to is the gap between the perceived image and the actual reality. For example, the main character points out that he was able to gain first hand acquaintance with the people who work for an ivory trading company. Thus, back in Britain they are largely regarded as brave men who are courageous enough to go to a different continent and do their best to acquire the much needed resource, this way often sacrificing their comfort and endangering their lives for the good of the people. However, the reality is quite the opposite: these people, most referred in the text as “pilgrims” are lazy and selfish. It is obvious that the author wants to put emphasis on the inability of the positive image that is promoted back in the country to reflect the actual state of affairs. Another important character that should be taken into account is Mr. Kurtz. He appears to be some sort of an antagonist of the story, though originally he is much praised. His value is so high, that the Company orders an entire expedition to save him, implying that he was able to gain a high post because of the personal merits. Nevertheless, once again the reality is dramatically different: though Kurtz is thought to be the most effective agent, he does not posses even the half of his supposed merits. Moreover, it is often implied that his high rank was granted to him because of the connections that he had. This is a rather sorrowful situation since it shows that people tend to gain recognition that they do not deserved and other are easily deceived by this. Contrary to that, it may be useful to recall an interesting character that supports quite the opposite view: there is a Russian wandered in the camp that is encountered by the main character who is completely fascinated by Mr. Kurtz. It looks like he is not able to see the real nature of this man. There is no doubt that this reflects the situation when a person is deceived and is not able to accept the actual state of affairs. What is even worse is that this Russian is firm in his position towards Mr. Kurtz, living in the world of illusion. This phenomenon is widely spread: some people will never give up their illusions, despite witnessing the actual truth. Finally, one should also note the treachery of Mr. Kurtz and evaluate the scope of it. Originally, he was commissioned to write a report which he did, but made a horrible postscript to it, calling for extermination of all the locals. However, having gained their trust he ordered them to attack the ship with bows and arrows while the defended had firearms. It is obvious that this was a sure death for many of the locals. All this shows that Mr. Kurtz was a person who deeply despised the aboriginals and did not feel sorry for sending them to death. Metamorphosis In spite of the fact that the setting and the story line of the second text that will be explored in this paper are different from the previously discussed one, they share a common feature: they point out that differences between true nature of a person and the image that is being perceived by the rest. While in the first story this gap was not really explicit as only the main character knew it, Metamorphosis features a completely different approach: the main character here is transformed into a “monstrous vermin”. Leaving aside the fact that this is impossible, one should note the message that is send by such a change: people are generally afraid of insects, especially big ones. In other words, this new Gregor was quite frightening; nevertheless, deep inside he remained an ordinary peorson with a difficult fate of a travelling salesman. The next interesting metamorphosis that happens in his house is of social nature. It is suggested that Gregor was the bread winner for the family. However, since he became an insect he, obviously, could not earn money. The situation was so difficult that the members of his family wished that he would leave them. This is astonishing: for a considerable period of time they depended on him, but when he all of a sudden lost any significance to them – the former bread winner became just a burden. This change in the attitude reflects the lack of sincerity in treatment of him when he was a human. What is even worse is that there are several situations when Gregor’s father attacks him. This is unthinkable: how can father attack his own son? Nevertheless, the former does not see the giant insect as his son: it is a monster that should be scared away for the common good. One might note that this transition is among the most sorrowful ones: it is largely suggested that parents should support their children and make sure that they are safe, but the story reveals a completely different and unexpected element of this type of relationships, namely when parents and children become enemies. This shows that much in the social environment depends on the appearance of a person as well as one’s ability to gain income. Lastly, one should also note that Gregor’s family appears to be much more fixed on money than it was originally thought. For example, the end of the text features a relaxed conversation of the rest of the family about the perspectives. Having notices that Gregor’s sister because quite beautiful, the family hopes to find her a good husband and this perspective allows them to feel hope for a new life. This is quite dramatic since not long ago these three people lost their son and none of them is mourning. Furthermore, it shows that the genuine nature of many relationships in the family rests heavily upon economic effectiveness. In other words, while Gregor used to be the bread winner, now it is his sister, Greta, who will bring money to the family. This means that the significance of a family member is evaluated according to one’s ability to bring money. While many people who reject this idea, the reality that is depicted in the text supports it. Conclusion Having examined all the points that were mentioned in the paragraphs above, it is important to note that the two texts in question direct the attention of the audience to the gap between what is perceived and what actually exists. The first text does it in a more realistic manner, showing that men who are regarded as heroes may, in fact, be anti-heroes. The second text takes a grotesque approach, but points out that family relationships may not always be founded on unconditional love. Read More