- “The word ‘ivory’ rang in the air, was whispered, was sighed. You would think they were praying to it. A taint of imbecile rapacity blew through it all, like a whiff from some corpse. By Jove! I’ve never seen anything so unreal in my life.” (p. 60)
Marlow is beginning to realize the obsession men have of obtaining ivory. The men of the Company get carried away with their desire to have ivory and turn very greedy, putting aside their morals and civil lifestyle. Marlow notices that the men’s obsession has taken over their minds - appearing to have caused them to worship or ‘pray’ to the ivory. Conrad compares this disturbing concept to “a whiff from some corpse," making Marlow feel sick that a hunger for ivory could take over one’s mind.
(Works Cited)
"Heart of Darkness."
Marketgems.com. Web. 27 Aug. 2009. http://www.marketgems.com/heartofdarkness/symbolism.html
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(Photo Credit)
Raw Ivory. Photograph.
The Trophy Room Collection. Web. 13 Sept. 2009. http://www.trophyroomcollection.com/ivory/ivoryimg/ivory.JPG.
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