An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad's Heart of Darkness

Context:

Discussed at length as one of the most influential lectures/essays ever given about literary culture, delivered at the University of Massachusetts in 1975. Achebe declared Conrad 'a thoroughgoing racist' and argued Heart of Darkness cannot be called a great work of art because it dehumanizes Africans and treats Africa merely as a backdrop for European self-discovery. Described as a foundational moment for post-colonial literary studies. The hosts engage seriously with some of Achebe's criticisms while ultimately disagreeing with his conclusion.