Summary of Heart of Darkness

"Heart of Darkness" is a novella by Joseph Conrad, published in 1899. The story follows Charles Marlow, a sailor and an ivory transporter, as he embarks on a journey up the Congo River into the African interior to locate Kurtz, an enigmatic ivory trader. The narrative unfolds through Marlow's reflections and experiences, highlighting themes of imperialism, colonialism, and the darkness inherent in human nature. As Marlow travels, he encounters various characters and situations that expose the brutal realities of European colonial rule and its dehumanizing impact on both the colonizers and the colonized. The deeper Marlow ventures into the jungle, the more he confronts the complexities of civilization versus savagery. His fascination with Kurtz, initially praised as a brilliant and morally upright man, grows into a disturbing realization as he discovers the depths of Kurtz's corruption and madness, influenced by his power over the indigenous people and his insatiable greed for ivory. The novella culminates in Marlow’s meeting with Kurtz, who, on his deathbed, utters the infamous words, “The horror! The horror!” This moment encapsulates the overarching themes of existential despair and moral ambiguity. Ultimately, Marlow's journey serves as a critique of the myth of progress associated with imperialism, revealing the darkness that lies not just in the heart of Africa, but within humanity itself.