Mulleres na escuridade: estudo das personaxes femininas n’O corazón do negror, de Joseph Conrad

Abstract

First published in 1902, Heart of Darkness was soon considered an exceptional testimony of the European power dynamics in the colonies. Based on his experience, Joseph Conrad depicted some not so bright aspects of the British presence in Africa. Darkness represents not just the unknown side of the continent but also the corrupted souls of most of the colonial agents. This is a story of bravery, ambition, profit and glory – values traditionally perceived as inherent to masculinity. Metropolitan seamen, traders and pilgrims navigate the heart of that mysterious land. But what about women? What part do they play in this novel and, by extension, in the colonization process according to Conrad’s writing? The aim at this article is to study the configuration of female characters in Heart of Darkness and their relevance for the plot.