Answer:
The entire history of colonialism is dominated by fear, anxiety, and oppression. The imperialistic writings portray the east or the colonized as dark, savage, and fearful while laying emphasis on glorifying colonial achievements. In Conrad's popular work 'Heart of Darkness', the Africans are portrayed as the savage, beast, shadowy, and wild who possessed a constant fear for the white men. However, the truth that it was the inner darkness and void of colonizers which they were unleashing on the poor natives in the name of civilizing them. The imperial writings highlight the darkness and barbarity to overshadow their own evil and inner void which haunts them. Achebe beautifully critiques this in response to Conrad's racist portrayal.
