Achebe feels like the
“image” of Africa in the eyes of other people, especially westerner’s, is
skewed. This sort of false imagery is especially shown in Heart of Darkness. He
says that within Heart of Darkness it views Africa as “a place where man’s
vaunted intelligence and refinement are finally mocked by triumphant
bestiality” (3). This story has been idolized regardless of its false pretenses
towards Africa. Schools till this day still continue to have Heart of Darkness
shown and taught to students. Achebe feels that this story is one that should
be shamed and most definitely not taught. He believes it conveys an incredibly
false aspect of African society, finding it insulting. Marlowe sees Africans as
savages and is completely against believing that Africans are like him. Heart
of Darkness is very similar to Apocalypse Now. Apocalypse Now also views native
peoples as savages or ill mannered. It does not matter whether the native
people are in Africa or Cambodia, in each case they are seen in a negative
light. This was of thinking is unfair and unjust. Achebe has a right to object
both Heart of Darkness and Apocalypse Now.
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