Introduction to Accountant in Heart of Darkness
Although it is a work of fiction and comprises fictional characters, it has much to do with the reality of that time as shown by the accountant in Heart of Darkness. Colonialism was expanding far and wide into Africa as well as Asia at the time when Conrad penned this novel. The novel mostly deals with the machinations of the colonial powers to plunder the resources of the other lands by keeping the natives subjugated and illiterate. The hero of the novel, Marlow, explores the farthest land of the Congo to find out that the real intention touted by the European nation of educating the natives is a myth and farce. This he finds out through the observation of several characters, stations he visits, and the real situation in the country. Marlow sees imperialism and colonialism running rampant everywhere and comes across two important characters, emblems of imperialism, which are related to accounting. The first is the accountant in Heart of Darkness whom Marlow meets at the Nellie, the cruising yacht and the second is the chief accountant of the first station towards Congo (Conrad 3-26). My opinion is that both the characters not only show their maximum professional restraint, but also orderly professional behavior in everyday settings and in conversation.
Restraint and Accountant in Heart of Darkness
As far as the restraint is concerned, both the accountants show maximum restraint, because it is the demand of their profession. The first accountant appears shortly when Marlow boards the Nellie. He sees that the Accountant brings out a box of dominoes and starts “toying architecturally with the bones,” as his profession demands that he should do only what he is supposed to do which is do accounting (3). The second character is the chief accountant whom Marlow comes across when he lands at the first station. This typical accountant is also a thoroughly professional who keeps himself to himself which means restrains himself from exposing the secrets of the trade. He only comes out “to get a breath of fresh air” (27). In this connection, Harold Bloom says that it is necessary for the accountant to stay rigid in order to “imply that certain cold, unfeeling, rigid lines of conduct must be observed” to run the business of the office (Bloom 57). That is the very reason for their restraint that both accountants are only accountants and Marlow never mentions their names at any place. It is actually their professional requirement to keep themselves to themselves and not be frank with anyone as is common in the accounting profession.
Professionalism and Accountant in Heart of Darkness
Both first and the second accountant in Heart of Darkness are professional in their behavior as well as everyday life. Although there is not much about the first accountant; however, the first initial of his professional name is enough to announce that he is a professional accountant. The second is mentioned as chief accountant which Marlow has described in detail. Marlow says that “in great demoralization of the land he kept up his appearance” that is a hint to his professional setting and professional behavior that he must keep up with (Conrad 27). He carries on saying that even in his everyday life at that station he has taught a woman to do domestic work for him though he was thoroughly professional “devoted to his books, which were in apple-pie order” (27). It is because he was to be accountable for his profession. That is why not only he keeps himself in order, but also keeps his ledgers and books in order. Due to both of these qualities, Marlow, the hero of the novel, calls him a miracle, for everything over there was in muddle. His professionalism is shown through his conversation when he tells Marlow that even the groans of the natives dying over there distract his attention. He says that without showing his fury to the locals, it is “difficult to guard against the clerical errors in this climate” (28). This shows how he is professional in his ordinary as well as in his working behavior.
Conversation and Accountant in Heart of Darkness
Where the conversation of and about accountant in Heart of Darkness is concerned, it is not frank, but it is highly secretive. The first accountant does not talk to Marlow and anybody else. However, when Marlow stays for ten days at the inner station, the accountant does not talk much to him. He only shows, but when Marlow becomes quizzical, he just tells him to that there is a person Kurtz, who is very important for the authorities sitting in Europe. In other words, he exposes that there is a person who is very capable financially, for he keeps the record. Mohit Kumar Ray argues that that is the very reason that “he is obliged to see Kurtz through the eyes of the accountant” (Ray 61). It could be that the accountants are more aware of every business than the ordinary people and even highups. That is why he paints the real picture of Kurtz to show Marlow who could be his next boss in the depth of the Congo. He wins the confidence of the accountant who tells him briefly about Kurtz. This is what an accountant can do in his professional life to inform the middle authorities about the highups and their demands.
Conclusion
Therefore, the accountant in Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad shows a true professional. As the first accountant is not very senior, he keeps himself to himself and does not talk to Marlow at all. However, the chief accountant is a senior and knows everything about the business of the company. Therefore, he tells Marlow what is very important for him to know. However, about the other things, he keeps his mum and does not let him know what the business actually is. He keeps himself professional even in this squalid corner of the world and has learned how to live professionally by grooming a local lady. He also mentions heartlessly that the groans of the dying person distract his attention which destroys his clerical tasks of keeping the accounts correct. In short, both the accountants are highly professional, trained, and well-conversant with their status as well as situations.
Works Cited
- Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness. Planet Ebooks. Online ebook. 2009.
- Bloom, Harold. Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness. New York. Infobase Publishing. 2009. Print.
- Ray, Mohit Kumar. Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness. New Delhi. Atlantic Publishers and Distributors. 2006. Print.
Relevant Questions about Accountants in Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
- How do the accountants in Heart of Darkness symbolize the bureaucratic and administrative machinery of European colonialism, and what role do they play in the broader critique of imperialism presented in the novella?
- In what ways do the accountants’ meticulous record-keeping and adherence to rules contrast with the chaotic and morally ambiguous world of the Congo, and how does this tension contribute to the overall themes of the novella?
- Considering the accountants’ limited presence in the narrative, what can we infer about their attitudes and beliefs regarding the African natives and the exploitation of the Congo? How does their perspective align with or differ from that of other characters in the story?
