Heart of Darkness
Novel
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Joseph Conrad
Heart of Darkness Key Info
Key Facts
Full Title: Heart of Darkness
Original Title: Heart of Darkness
Author: Joseph Conrad (1857–1924)
Title of the Author: The Novelist of the Sea, The Master of Psychological Realism, & The Prophet of Modernism.
Source: Inspired by Conrad’s own voyage to the Congo Free State in 1890, where he witnessed the brutality of European colonialism and the exploitation of Africans und...
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Heart of Darkness Theme
Themes
Imperialism and Colonial Exploitation: The most powerful theme of the novel is imperialism. The Europeans go to Africa saying they bring light, order, and progress. But the truth is different. They go only for ivory and wealth. The Africans are forced to work like slaves. Their lives have no value to the white men. Marlow sees many Africans dying on the roadside, weak and broken. They are b...
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Heart of Darkness Character
Major Characters
Marlow: The central character and narrator of the story. He is a sailor who travels on the Congo River. In the depths of Africa, he witnesses the greed, exploitation, and cruelty of European imperialism. Marlow is seen as Conrad’s self-portrait, the one who uncovers the truth about human darkness and the hypocrisy of civilization.
Kurtz: A European trader and agent. He achiev...
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Heart of Darkness Literary Device
Figures of Speech
Irony: Irony appears when the reality is the opposite of what is claimed. Example: Europeans say they are bringing “civilization” and “light” to Africa. But instead of progress, they bring slavery, cruelty, and destruction. The irony shows the gap between noble words and brutal actions.
Symbolism (Symbols): In the novel, objects, places, and people carry deeper meanings. Con...
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Heart of Darkness Summary
Plot Summary – Heart of Darkness
Introduction / Background: Heart of Darkness is a remarkable novella written by Polish-English novelist Joseph Conrad. It was first serialized in Blackwood’s Magazine in 1899 and later published as a book in 1902. In this novella, Conrad exposes the inhuman face of European imperialism. In the Congo region of Africa, European powers claimed to bring civilization a...
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Notes
Explore 14 detailed notes related to Heart of Darkness. Each note provides in-depth analysis, explanations, and critical insights.