In Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, the main character displays an undermining attitude towards women. This only makes sense when understanding the historical context of the late 1800`s. The complete purpose of women's lives at the time was shaped by men. It consisted on finding a husband, reproducing, and serving them unconditionally. Marlow's sexist attitude is no different from any other man`s from the time. He assigns women inferior characteristics but is however blinded to the fact that women do have power.
"Then – would you believe it? – I tried the women. I, Charlie Marlow, set the women to work – to get a job... I had an aunt... She wrote: 'It will be delightful. I am ready to do anything, anything for you." (pg 71) Marlow is in a way ashamed of getting a job through a woman. Men at the time were responsible for absolutely everything concerning the work area, including finding a job. If he, as a man is supposed to have that area under control as well as being independent, why then does he seek for her help? She is his aunt and there should be no shame in family help. Perhaps this is due to his personal lack of a "home/familiar environment . This happened because being a seaman leads to a solitary life with. Marlow has no close relationships with anyone, much less with a women and therefore feels threatened by such a sympathetic gesture.
Marlow judges women as being "out of touch with truth" by believing that "they live in a world of their own". (pg 76) He characterizes them as dreamy and unrealistic, not necessarily in a good way. This demonstrates how much Marlow does not take women seriously. As a result he is automatically pushing their status down by feeling superior. For the most, this social degradation would have seem normal. This is not the case. This woman he is degrading is not only a blood relative of his but she knows powerful people. It is this second part exactly that really matters. Knowing the right people can get you to a better place. As dishonorable as this situation might be for Marlow, it benefits him.
Women like Marlow`s aunt get bonus points for having contacts instead of being completely overlooked by men. They are still in the end only used , nothing more and nothing less. For the society of the 1890`s women were just convenient utensils. The more convinient the better the social acceptance. Marlow as an isolated and masculine personality treats women like his aunt for his own benefit.
Estefania, it seems to me that not only Marlow is characterized as a chauvinistic man, but almost all people during his time. Even women in London society were convinced that their roles as wives and "servants" of men was their moral duty. However, by reading your blog I did realize how Marlow lacks social skills when it comes to socializing with women. This can be due to his constant seclusion when working in ships and as a colonist in Africa. His life style has led him to fall into an overwhelming loneliness. Marlow is not just becoming isolated from women, but the world. "We live as we dream–alone...48" How do you think his approach to social interaction will change along the story? Will it improve, or worsten?
ReplyDeleteThe quote you stated compares his dreaming with the women's dreamy world. I don't think it is mere coincidence. I believe that as the story unravels, Marlow will each time feel more touched by the mistreatment of the natives. This might open his eyes to a more humane perspective. He will perhaps improve in social interaction by actually being surrounded by people.
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