Heart of Darkness is the thrilling tale of Marlow, a seaman and wanderer recounting his physical and psychological journey in search of the infamous ivory trader Kurtz. Traveling upriver into the heart of the African continent, he gradually becomes obsessed by this enigmatic, wraith-like figure. Marlow's discovery of how Kurtz has gained his position of power over the local people involves him in a radical questioning, not only of his own nature and values, but of those that underpin Western civilization itself.
It is a novel filled with excitement and enigmatic characters who challenge the readers appreciation for the unknown. The setting provides a mythical appeal which becomes a character itself in the novel. The hunting of Kurtz haunts even the hardened reader and provides an adventure not to be forgotten.
Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad, full text
