Conrad-Between Realism And Modernism

I. Symbolism in Joseph Conrad's worksSymbolism is a way of using a concrete thing related to presenting another thing, concept or feelings. The object in traditional symbolism is always clear and hard conscience or feelings, and symbols appear merely partially. Therefore, the relationship between an object and a symbol is definite, single and steady. While in the novels of Conrad's, symbolism is a literary concept and a method of cognizing the world, rather than a way of presentation simply. Things ranging from oceans, storms to jungles, cottages, even small gadgets in his life are symbolic under Conrad's pen. Each symbol stems from his unique psychological experience, whose object is the pure essence whether hidden in one's insides or covered by the coat of the world.Conrad's masterpiece, The Heart Of Darkness, has heavy symbolic colors either in the detailed description, or in the hero Marlowe or in the whole structure of the text. The author expresses his thoughts and feelings through symbols and makes his work full of "complicacy, influence, depth and beauty", through his illustration of the text every angle.II. Impressionism in Conrad's worksThe word "Impressionism", which originates from art, means that the task of artist is to record the direct and perceptual impressions through observations. Therefore, an impressionist artist endeavours to capture the luster of the scenery while having a vague sight of the outline of the target, while in the literary field, the impressionist writers emphasize more on how to express his momentary feelings on the basis of his sensational experience. Conrad's greatness lies in that he successfully "let readers hear, feel, and more importantly, let them see with letters". He believes that there is no such a story telling the readers from the beginning to the end orderly but colorful impression is received indeed. People makes a stimulus-reaction towards the outside word and get a sensual impression, then collect the disorderly information and finally find out the reason. Consequently, the whole sense emerges from the gathering impressions.III. Conrad's Narrative TechniqueThe narrative techniques employed by Conrad are various and full of suspension. Thus, they give a deep-going reflection of the theme. Three points merit noting: First, the flexibility and mobility of narration. It's mainly shown in the use of indirect speech in his work Almayor's Follies. Secondly, taking Marlowe as the main narrator. It's not only a technical problem, but also connected closely with the uncertainty and experimentation. Furthermore, Marlowe is both a narrator and a role in the plot. He is also the important person who helps the author control the "distance technique" in the source materials of the novel. As to Conrad, he should keep a distance from the novel, and from readers as well. Such employment will be found in the changing of time, space and distance. Take The Heart Of Darkness for example here. Thirdly, Lord Jim's "delayed code" technique.IV. Modernism in Conrad's worksFirst, the presentation of modernism in Conrad's works roots from Conrad's social background and his own complex life experience. Second, the fusion of modernism and realism in Conrad's works. As for subjects, Conrad seeks fro source materials from the commonplace. He tries to show the solitude, alienation, even morbidity of modern people living in a society where human nature is depressed when they face the "rules of goods value". He arms not only to vent his discontent to the western life and extend a symbolic meaning. His focus moves to the characters' inside world. His concern is no longer the adventurous event itself, but the reflection of an event in one's consciousness. He presents us an infinite space with finite time or expands the showing power of a mental time infinitely in a limited space. Besides, the diversity and flexibility of the structure is a breakthrough from traditional "three elements" ──character, plot and scene, and thus deepens in...