"I didn't want any more loitering in the shade, and I made haste towards the station. When near the buildings I met a white man,
in such an unexpected elegance of get-up that in the first moment I took him for a sort of vision. I saw a high starched collar, white cuffs, a light alpaca jacket, snowy trousers, a clear necktie, and vamished boots. No hat. Hair parted, brushed, oiled under a green-lined parasol held in a big white hand. He was amazing, and had a penholder behind his ear." In this excerpt from Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad employs characterization as a literary device. In 3-5 sentences, explain how Conrad uses characterization to support his view of the British Empire. Include evidence from the text to support your answer.
Conrad uses the characterization of man to show how the British Empire presented itself in a haughty, superior air and representing luxury and wealth.
We can arrive at this answer because:
Conrad introduces a man who presented himself in a very beautiful way.
The man was a haughty figure, who was well dressed, good-looking, and wore elements that portrayed wealth, dominance, and prosperity.
This man represented the way the British Empire presented itself during imperialism. Because it showed itself to be a rich country and full of luxury and refinement, but it did so through the exploitation and control of peoples.
"Heart of Darkness" is a book that criticizes British imperialism in a very punctual way. You can find more information about this at the link:
