The Creative Use of Moral Megametaphors in Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness: A Cognitive Linguistic Approach

Abstract

This study explores the overlooked area of moral megametaphors and the innovative use of conventional moral metaphors in literary discourse, focusing on Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness. Using the cognitive linguistic approach, specifically The Conceptual Metaphor Theory, the research investigates how the conventional moral metaphors create novelty and enhance the thematic coherence of the novel. The findings reveal that Conrad vividly portrays the hypocrisy and cruelty of colonial imperialism through the megametaphors IMMORAL IS DARK and IMMORAL IS BLACK, employing elaborating and combining techniques. By questioning the traditional metaphors of MORAL IS LIGHT and MORAL IS WHITE, Conrad exposes the deceitful nature of colonialism, depicting immorality through blinding light and deceptive whiteness. Additionally, by extending the megametaphor MORAL TRANSFORMATION IS A JOURNEY, Conrad effectively illustrates the contrasting paths of the characters: Marlow's journey towards moral enlightenment and Kurtz's descent into moral corruption. This research highlights the role of moral megametaphors in uncovering the underlying immorality of colonialism and encourages a reevaluation of conventional moral metaphors.