A Panoptical Analysis of Kurtz and Jack

Abstract

This article offers a Panoptical reading of the characters Kurtz and Jack of Heart of Darkness (Conrad, 1902/2006) and Lord of the Flies (Golding, 1954) respectively. It discusses how the circumstantial detachment from human civilization and seclusion of these characters led them to their moral degradation. In his writing “Discipline and Punish” (2001, 2004), Michele Foucault proposes that European civilization is a Panoptical one, i.e., resembling a prison. He suggests that through the means of knowledge, power, surveillance, fear and physical domination, an authoritative figure can subjugate the weaker ones. A close reading of the characters of Kurtz and Jack discloses how they have exercised power to exploit the natives or the weak by using the means of surveillance and panoptic vision and other terms proposed by Foucault. Though, both the texts deal with the theme of the exercise of power differently- Kurtz uses his knowledge and power to subjugate the natives of Congo whereas Jack and his disciples try to dominate the little children only to prove their authorities- the implication of Foucault’s terms in these texts is apparent. This research will be conducted through the use of several secondary sources mainly focusing on the terms used by Foucault.