DIPLOMATIC LANGUAGE – AN INSTRUMENT OF DISGUISING THE TRUTH IN JOSEPH CONRAD’S “HEART OF DARKNESS”
DIPLOMATIC LANGUAGE – AN INSTRUMENT OF DISGUISING THE TRUTH IN JOSEPH CONRAD’S “HEART OF DARKNESS”

Summary/Abstract: The purpose of the present paper is to reveal the meaning of the double language employed by Western nations in their relationship with less advanced countries. It is of utmost importance to establish to what extent in “Heart of Darkness”, diplomatic language promotes an abiding falsification of the economic, political and social reality that characterised the world at the time of Conrad’s writings. Broadly speaking, the previously mentioned type of language refers to a set of polite terms used in international relations in order to alleviate the implications of a certain decision that is going to be implemented. Diplomatic language is often perceived as a form of altering the truth by creating a more positive image of the actions initiated by the great powers in distinct regions of the world. In the context of “Heart of Darkness” it is assimilated to the imperialist discourse acting as a tool that attempts to disguise the financial interests of certain European countries in a benevolent mission of civilising the Congo Free State. Inevitably there appears a conflict between words and facts, between the good intentions preached by the representatives of influential Western nations and the harsh conditions of life and work that have to be endured by the African people presented in the novella. Throughout the current paper there are going to be provided numerous instances of diplomatic expressions which demonstrate the hypocrisy inherent in the Company’s motivation for its presence in Africa that is in sharp contrast with the actual practices of human exploitation carried out by its workers. The events described in “Heart of Darkness” prove to be topical so it is vital for the people to be aware of the existing threat that such experiences could repeat.

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