Silence and frenzy are subjects of sentences that Achebe says used by Conrad to characterize?

Chinua Achebe, in his essay "An Image of Africa," criticizes Joseph Conrad's portrayal of Africa and Africans in his novel *Heart of Darkness*. Achebe specifically points out that Conrad uses the concepts of "silence" and "frenzy" to characterize the African continent and its inhabitants.

Here's how Achebe breaks down the problematic use of these concepts:

* Silence: Conrad portrays Africa as a silent, mysterious, and unknowable place. Achebe argues that this portrayal denies Africa any agency or voice, reducing it to a backdrop for the actions of the European characters. He criticizes this as a form of colonial silencing, where Africa is seen as "primitive" and lacking in its own culture or history.

* Frenzy: Conrad often depicts Africans as wild and frenzied, engaging in irrational and violent actions. Achebe argues that this portrayal is racist and perpetuates harmful stereotypes about African people. He suggests that this portrayal reflects European anxieties about the "dark continent" and their own fears of losing control in the face of the unknown.

By using these concepts, Achebe argues, Conrad presents a dehumanized and distorted image of Africa, reinforcing colonial power dynamics and undermining the true complexity of African cultures and experiences.