Heart Of Darkness

“Heart of Darkness,” written by Joseph Conrad and first published in 1899, is a profound and haunting novella that explores the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of imperialism. Set in the African Congo during the height of European colonization, the narrative follows Charles Marlow’s journey up the Congo River in search of the enigmatic ivory trader Kurtz. Conrad delves into the psychological and moral abyss that Marlow encounters, presenting a powerful commentary on the dehumanizing effects of colonialism. The novella is layered with symbolism, and its exploration of the human capacity for cruelty and corruption has made it a critical and literary masterpiece, often studied for its complex narrative structure and thematic depth.