Heart of Darkness follows a sailor named Marlow as he journeys up the Congo River to encounter the enigmatic ivory trader Kurtz. The narrative explores the darkness of colonial exploitation and the complexities of the human psyche. It is a seminal modernist work, celebrated for its critique of imperialism and its layered, ambiguous storytelling.
Try these questions
- What are the central themes and motifs in Heart of Darkness, such as darkness, civilization versus savagery, and the moral ambiguity of imperialism?
- How does Marlow’s perspective shape our understanding of Kurtz and other characters, and what does his character reveal about the narrator’s inner conflict?
- In what ways does the novella reflect the historical context of late 19th‑century European colonialism in the Congo, and how does it engage with contemporary attitudes toward empire?
- How does Conrad’s use of frame narrative, symbolism, and ambiguous language contribute to the novel’s modernist style and affect the reader’s interpretation?
Heart of Darkness
Joseph Conrad