Heart of Darkness #6

Through the painting, Marlow emphasizes the sinister intentions behind the British colonization of Africa.  The black and sombre background represents the unchartered and backwardness of Africa prior to colonial rule.  On the other hand, the stately woman, who has a sinister appearance and attempts to tame the darkness with her lit torch, reflects Marlow's impression of British colonial rule.  Marlow frowns upon the British's willingness to colonize for economic desires rather than philanthropical purposes.  He also believes that the "light" is misleading and phony, as light is usually a symbol of something positive; however, in this painting, he uses light to depict that the British have the potential to benefit the people of Africa, yet they choose not to as a result of the economic motives.