His view of women throughout the first half of the novel is one that is somewhat condescending and perpetuates the stereotypical stigma that women of the 19th century had to endure. When he finds himself in the midst of bloodshed and chaos on the Congo River, there is one woman who could be viewed as the catalyst that might cause Marlow’s longstanding opinion of women to falter.
Savage Goddess
Though she is never given a name, the description of the woman is such that she could be seen as a goddess figure. When Marlow sees her for the first time he says that she moved along the shore a “wild and gorgeous apparition of a woman.”
In a sense, such an initial thought could be superficially interpreted as sexist; the first thing the man notices is the woman’s physical attributes. There is more to her physical appearance than just her body alone. She is very confident and determined as Marlow describes when he comments that “[s]he walked with measured steps treading the earth proudly … She carried her head high.”
Savage Goddess and Deity
There is a tremendous similarity between the way this woman is portrayed and the traditional descriptions of female deities. The woman’s manner, dress, actions, and presence parallel those of a goddess. The behavior of the savages surrounding her on the banks of the river enforces her ethereal essence.
She is a woman of rank within the society. She is lavished with jewels and precious items that would not be worthy of just any female. There is a sense of trust, awe, love, esteem and nobility that surrounds her. The reverence with which she is regarded is a reflection of her physical appearance and mannerisms.
Marlow Takes Notice of Expression
Marlow describes her countenance as one which reflected tragedy and sorrow, and yet it was mixed with a sense of resolve. Her expression of sorrow and pain are reflective of her feelings of witnessing these men on this alien object coming down her river. The tragedy of her expression probably parallels her feelings when looking on as many of her fellow people are killed alongside Marlow’s crew.
Grounded and in Control
The woman’s actions are those of someone who is connected to the earth and confident in her ability to exert control over certain situations. The members of Marlow’s crew are stunned and immobile as they watch the woman as she paces the banks of the river, never letting her eyes stray from the strangers floating in front of her.
As she raises her arms skyward, her actions are very similar to those of a goddess when she is raising energy. Her commanding action is one that is reminiscent of an individual exerting control over those who follow her. The men of the society show her respect. They are attempting to demonstrate to the strangers that this woman should be regarded and respected for the powerful female she is.
Marlow closes the scene by saying, “She turned away slowly, walked on, following the bank, and passed into the bushes to the left. Once only her eyes gleamed back at us in the dusk of the thickets before she disappeared.”
Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness. New York: Penguin Books, 1999.
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