Continuum Heart of Darkness: Character Studies

Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness (1899) is one of the most important literary works of the early twentieth century. It has provoked much critical debate, on issues such as fin de siècle doubt and pessimism, European colonialism, racism, and misogyny. Engaging with the novel's characters is crucial to understanding its complexity and its criticalhistory. This study includes: an overview of the novel, including an account of its late nineteenth-century context discussions of the narrative structure and the narrators; - chapters analyzing in detail the key characters in relation to the text's themes, issues and historical context; engagement with a range of literary criticism and theory; a conclusion reminding students of the potential of detailed character analysis and close critical reading; a guide to secondary texts and a comprehensive bibliography. Review "...A decent appraisal of a truly great novel through substantial consideration of its modern critical analysis and minor character study. This suggests a really useful series from Continuum." - The University of Edinburgh Journal "An overview of the novel Heart of Darkness joins others in Continuum's 'Character Studies' series and offers discussions of the narrative structure and narrators key to the text's reading. High school to college-level students of Conrad will find this a powerful exploration of the themes and ideas of this classic text, and a 'must' for comprehensive study." -The Literary Shelf (Bookwatch)"Ashley Chantler's introductory study is clear, concise, informative and open-minded. It will help students to explore and enjoy Conrad's complex but rewarding tale." - Cedric Watts, Research Professor of English, University of Sussex, UK About the Author Ashley Chantler is Senior Lecturer in English at the University of Chester, UK.