Blindfolded Woman

When I first read the passage about Kurtz's painting, I didn't know it was meant to be allegorical. But after we talked in class today everything came together and each piece had a meaning to the overall theme of the book. The part of the painting I was unsure of though was what the blindfold meant. I thought it could mean two things. It could representthe Europeans turning a blind eye to what was happening in Africa. Most people did not talk about the inhumane practices occurring in Africa at the time and just pretended it didn't happen. But our group also thought it could mean that the people who were colonizing did not realize the harmful effects they were imposing on the Africans. They thought they were helping them by coming in and changing their culture, but they were only hurting them. I think the painting could be interpreted both ways. What do you think? Are there any more meanings behind the blindfold?

Comments

[Natey M.]

Our group thought it could be about the European's ignorance toward thier actions. I believe that all aspects of the painting coincide with eachother and provide an overlapping effect. It's foolish to be wielding a torch that provides light, when wearing a blindfold. The European's think that they are the light (torch) in the darkness (background) of Africa, yet they are blind to what extent their actions truly are doing.