Heart of Darkness 14

• “All Europe contributed to the making of Kurtz and by-and-by I learned that, most appropriately, the International Society for the Suppression of Savage Customs had intrusted him with the making of a report, for its future guidance.” (p. 92)

The International Society for the Suppression of Savage Customs seems to have gotten its name from the organization created in 1876, The International Association for the Exploration and Civilization in Africa. King Leopold II formed this organization once the Congo Free State was approved by the Berlin Conference. King Leopold II went on an expedition of the Congo and allowed the Belgians to take any raw materials from the area, particularly rubber, without trading with the natives. Much conflict arose from this system resulting in King Leopold‘s withdrawal and Belgium’s new ownership of the Congo. Conrad sarcastically includes this organization into Heart of Darkness as he is one of King Leopold’s biggest critics.

(Works Cited)
"Leopold II." Answers.com. Web. 25 Aug. 2009. http://www.answers.com/topic/king-leopold-ii.

(Photo Credit)
Leopold II Garter Knight. Photograph. Wikipedia. Web. 13 Sept. 2009. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Leopold_ii_garter_knight.jpg.