Question

how is jameson's criticism of conrad's politics relevant to heart of darkness

Answer 1

During the 17th and 18th century the Europeans turned their attention to Africa as the last piece of real estate available for looting. They had already divided amongst themselves the looting of the east , far east and the south east. Africa was virgin territory much closer to their armies and navies. These countries had an undeveloped civilization. There was no silver or gold initially but slaves were available and they were shipped to all the far away territories like US, South America, West Indies, Mauritius etc. There was an explanation that the black man's soul was being developed. The rapacious business was always followed by the church. Time is a great healer and today the world has forgotten the River Port of Unitsha on the river Niger from where millions of black people were traded away as slaves. The remenants of this Slave trade can still be seen. The civilized world has always been exploiting the Innocents but that is how the world works. Even today the exploiting is going on in the name of International trade.