Heart of Darkness

Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness tells a story based on Conrad's own experiences in the Congo Free State during the 1890s. Set in Africa, the main character, Marlow, is asked to find and bring back the ivory trader, Mr. Kurtz. However, the deeper Marlow travels, the more ominous and depressing his surroundings become.

Marlow finds a dying and traumatized Mr. Kurtz who is surrounded by his ivory and despair. Although he has dominated the Congo natives, Mr. Kurtz is far from the prestigious and heroic man that Marlow had thought he would meet. His corruption and mistreatment of those around him become evident the more Marlow uncovers about Mr. Kurtz's life deep in the heart of Africa.

The story focuses on the effects of unrestrained power and uncontrolled greed as the cause for evil and corruption. Although not an easy task, Marlow is able to take Mr. Kurtz back onto his boat and attempts to take him out of Africa. However, Mr. Kurtz does not make the journey back, and the book holds true to its title through the end. As an outright attack on imperialism, this story is filled with adventure, morally ambiguous situations, and detailed descriptions of Marlow's adventure.