Poquette has a bachelor's degree in English and specializes in writing about literature. In the following essay, Poquette discusses Høeg's use of contrasting dark and light imagery in "Journey into a Dark Heart."

Høeg's moral message in "Journey into a Dark Heart" is clear. Western attitudes towards African colonialism in the early twentieth century were based on false assumptions or outright lies. However, while this idea comes through clearly with the dialogue, particularly that of Lueni and her accomplice, Joseph K., Høeg underscores this idea through the use of contrasting dark and light imagery and the meanings behind these images.

In the story, Høeg uses many contrasting images, such as the wealth of Europe compared to the poverty of Africa or the modern train with its European conveniences traveling through the primitive jungle. At one point in their conversation...