Heart of Darkness review

Who tells the story in Heart of Darkness, and who is it about?

The story is framed by an unnamed narrator, but it mostly follows Marlow, a sailor who recounts his journey into the Congo and the mysterious man named Kurtz.

What job does Marlow have on this trip?

Marlow is hired to steer a steamboat up the Congo River for a European trading company. His goal is to find and bring back Kurtz.

Why is Kurtz such an important figure to everyone? Why does everyone seem to praise him?

Kurtz is seen as brilliant, idealistic, and a genius at gathering ivory. But as Marlow gets closer, he realizes Kurtz has gone mad.

What does Kurtz come to represent by the end?

Kurtz becomes a symbol of what happens when people are cut off from society and morality. He represents the dark potential inside all of us when there are no limits or accountability.

How does Marlow’s journey change him?

Marlow starts as a fairly typical European adventurer, but as he sees the cruelty and greed of imperialism, he becomes disillusioned and deeply disturbed by what he learns about humanity.

What do Kurtz’s final words mean?

His final words are “The horror! The horror!”These famous words are Kurtz’s dying realization. He sees the evil in what he’s done and maybe even in what people are capable of in general.

Why is the Congo River such a big deal in the story?

Because it is not just a river, it is a symbol. As Marlow travels deeper into the jungle, he’s also diving deeper into the heart of human nature and the darkness within.

How does the novel show European colonization?

It criticizes it. While Europe claims it’s “civilizing” Africa, Conrad shows the greed, violence, and destruction they bring. The so-called “civilizers” are often the most savage.

What’s the tone or mood of the book?

The whole story feels gloomy and rather unsettling. There's always a sense that something terrible is just under the surface because it is.

Why is the title Heart of Darkness fitting?

It refers to the literal journey into the dark African jungle, but more importantly, it’s about exploring the darkness inside the human soul and how easily it can take over.