To what extent do your chosen texts raise interesting ethical issues?.
To consider the characters ethics within the chosen texts it is essential to look at the different societies from which the characters are moulded. Thus forming the reasoning behind the ethics that the characters are shown to stand by. .
Conrad's society is Marlow's society, a society that supports imperialism. Imperialism is a policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization by military force or other means ; even this modern day description does not emanate a positive concept created by civilised society, but it was. Marlow's society believes it to be positive, why? Because they are told it is. This concept, which led to the colonisation of real people, is approved by his society because they are not informed that it is domination and exploitation at its worst, but as a duty to humankind. This is revealed in the novel by the aunt when she describes Marlow's journey as a "Mission"; Marlow is the main character of the novel, Joseph Conrad's Heart Of Darkness. Marlow is angered by the cruelty of white colonialism and this is shown to be to the forefront of this tale throughout his journey of personal discovery. .
Okonkwo the main character of my other chosen text, Chinua Achebes Things Fall Apart is a well-revered man from a meritocratic society, a society that respects a man for his achievements alone. The superstitious brutality of the Ibo society is the main contributory factor to Oknkwo's wicked ways. He sees no wrong in his society because he believes it to be normal by the standards set by his fellow tribesmen. This tale is of one mans selfish attempts to save the society and social structure of which he can claim to be at the top of. .
Within Heart Of Darkness the reader is offered the choice of being taken gently by the hand and lead into the Congo where they can discover for their self, the realisation of the vileness that colonialism is.
