Imperialism is a nation’s policy of extending authority by territorial acquisition or by the establishment of economic and political hegemony over other nation. A Social Criticism of Imperialism in “Heart of Darkness” Introduction The Heart of Darkness, penned by Joseph Conrad, is one of the strongest fictional critiques of imperialism which is also the central theme of the book. Heart of Darkness isn’t just about adventure though. Get an answer for 'Discuss the theme of imperialism in Heart of Darkness.' For Althusser’s theory to be true within Heart of Darkness, we ought to see evidence of support for the ideology of imperialism. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad centralizes the issue of imperialism. They’re the instruments of imperialism, a system in which a foreign government takes political, military, economic, and cultural control of another. Imperialism And Colonialism In Joseph Conrad's Heart Of Darkness 1116 Words | 5 Pages. If that sounds like a pretty scary deal to you, you’re right. In the novella, Marlow’s tale of the Congo has been described “Heart of Darkness” abounds in several themes. and find homework help for other Heart of Darkness questions at eNotes Heart of Darkness is a novel about the complexity of human nature, as well as the relevant matter of imperialism and colonialism, written by Joseph Conrad, one of the most famous novelist in … CHARACTERS Marlow – the speaker of the frame narrative starts to question his beliefs and attitudes when in Africa The Manager – a corrupted Imperialist, for him only economical gain is important, no matter the cost Mr. Kurtz – chief of the station, imposed himself as a god to the natives, a spiritually degenerated man… This would prove that the text does indeed allow us to ”feel’ and ‘perceive’ the ideology from which it springs’. Marlow and Kurtz are doing far more than making a fortune in some faraway locale. It has been argued that Heart of Darkness does express the ideologies of imperialism. It has the theme of self-restraint, of the working of the subconscious mind, of the exploration, of barbarism and primitivism and the theme of imperialism. Conrad’s narrative stance in Heart of Darkness is not clear on Imperialism; it holds two distinct opinions, shifting from a supporter to its ideal to denounce of its wrongdoings in Africa.