Kwan Lung Chan 
‘Heart of Darkness’ by Joseph Conrad as a Modernist Work. Literary Techniques Like Delayed Decoding, Stream of Consciousness, Irony, and Controversial Ending 

Essay from the year 2019 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies – Literature, grade: B+, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, course: ENGE5330 Modernist Literature, language: English, abstract: This paper embarks on an exploration of Joseph Conrad’s novella, with a primary focus on the innovative narrative technique known as delayed decoding. The objective of this analysis is to shed light on the artistic and immersive qualities of this technique and its role in distinguishing Conrad’s narrative from traditional realist fiction. The paper will follow a structured approach, beginning with an in-depth examination of delayed decoding as a narrative device and its ability to mirror the way individuals process real-life situations, thereby making the narrative more authentic and relatable.

It will subsequently delve into the impact of this technique on reader engagement, emphasizing how it transforms the act of reading into an active and collaborative process. Moreover, the paper will illustrate how Conrad’s use of delayed decoding sets his work apart from conventional realist fiction, allowing readers to better appreciate the unpredictability and complexity of real-life experiences. Ultimately, this exploration underscores the artistic potential of narrative techniques in literature, emphasizing their capacity to captivate, engage, and challenge readers, and Joseph Conrad’s novella stands as a testament to this creative and innovative narrative endeavor.