In Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, flies are more than just pesky insects; they represent a complex and multifaceted symbol that adds depth and meaning to the novel's exploration of colonialism, human nature, and the darkness within us all.
Flies as a Symbol of Decay and Corruption
- The Decomposing Jungle: Flies are often associated with death and decay. In the dense, humid jungle of the Congo, where the story takes place, flies swarm around the rotting bodies of the natives and the decaying remains of the colonial enterprise. They embody the physical and moral corruption that pervades the landscape.
- The Darkness Within: The flies can also be seen as symbolic of the inner corruption that Marlow, the narrator, and other characters struggle with. The colonial venture itself is inherently corrupt, and the flies represent the festering moral decay that results from the exploitation and violence of the system.
Flies as a Symbol of Insignificance and Mortality
- The Buzzing Horde: The constant presence of flies, buzzing around the characters, emphasizes the overwhelming and relentless nature of the environment. They remind the reader of the insignificance of human life in the face of nature's vastness and power.
- The Cycle of Life and Death: Flies also represent the relentless cycle of life and death. They are drawn to the decaying bodies, reminding the reader of the inevitable end that awaits all living things, even those who strive for power and control.
Flies as a Symbol of the Unseen and the Unseen
- The Hidden Truth: The flies often obstruct the characters' vision, obscuring the truth of what is happening around them. They represent the unseen forces that drive the colonial project, the hidden motives of the colonizers, and the true nature of the darkness that lies within.
- The Haunting Presence: The flies are a constant reminder of the horrors that are happening in the Congo. They are a haunting presence that reflects the guilt and shame of the colonizers, who are forced to confront the consequences of their actions.
Flies as a Symbol of Colonialism's Impact
- The Spread of Disease: Flies are known to carry diseases, and in Heart of Darkness, they can be seen as a symbol of the disease of colonialism that spreads through the Congo, infecting both the natives and the colonizers.
- The Dehumanization of Natives: The flies swarm around the bodies of the natives, dehumanizing them and reducing them to mere objects of exploitation. They highlight the colonial mindset that views the natives as inferior and expendable.
Conclusion
Flies in Heart of Darkness are a powerful and multifaceted symbol that embodies the themes of decay, corruption, insignificance, mortality, and the unseen. They serve as a constant reminder of the darkness that lies within both individuals and systems, and the devastating consequences of colonialism on both the colonized and the colonizers.
