In 'Heart of Darkness', Joseph Conrad takes readers on a haunting journey into the depths of the African Congo, revealing the stark contrast between civilization and savagery. The story follows Charlie Marlow, a sailor who becomes obsessed with the enigmatic figure of Kurtz, an ivory trader who has lost himself in the wilderness. As Marlow travels deeper into the jungle, he confronts not only the brutal realities of colonial exploitation but also the darkness within the human soul. The narrative is a powerful exploration of imperialism, morality, and the thin veneer of civilization. What will Marlow discover when he finally meets the fabled Kurtz, and how will it change his understanding of humanity?
By Joseph Conrad
Published: 2014
"The horror! The horror!"
Heart of Darkness (1899) is a short novel by Polish novelist Joseph Conrad, written as a frame narrative, about Charles Marlow's experience as an ivory transporter down the Congo River in Central Africa. The river is "a mighty big river, that you could see on the map, resembling an immense snake uncoiled, with its head in the sea, its body at rest curving afar over a vast country, and its tail lost in the depths of the land". In the course of his travel in central Africa, Marlow becomes obsessed with Mr. Kurtz.The story is a complex exploration of the attitudes people hold on what constitutes a barbarian versus a civilized society and the attitudes on colonialism and racism that were part and parcel of European imperialism. Originally published as a three-part serial story, in Blackwood's Magazine, the novella Heart of Darkness has been variously published and translated into many languages. In 1998, the Modern Library ranked Heart of Darkness as the sixty-seventh of the hundred best novels in English of the twentieth century.
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“The horror! The horror!”
Heart of Darkness
By Joseph Conrad
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Joseph Conrad (1857-1924) was a Polish-born British author renowned for his complex narratives and deep psychological insight. His notable works include 'Heart of Darkness', 'Lord Jim', and 'Nostromo', each reflecting his fascination with imperialism, moral ambiguity, and human nature. Conrad's writing style is characterized by rich prose, intricate character development, and an innovative narrative structure, often employing unreliable narrators and exploring the darkness within the human soul. His experiences as a sailor greatly influenced his literature, making him a key figure in modernist literature.
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