Heart of Darkness
link
summary
Joseph Conrad's iconic novella, Heart of Darkness, offers a stark view into the darkness of the human soul. The story follows Charles Marlow as he narrates his journey up the Congo River to meet the elusive and enigmatic Kurtz, a man who has risen to a position of power among the natives through his trade in ivory. The novella explores themes of imperialism, colonialism and the horrors of racism. Almayer's Folly and The Lagoon, two other stories included in this volume, provide further insights into Conrad's views on European colonization and the impact it had on native populations. With beautifully crafted prose, Conrad's writing transports the reader to a world of greed, violence, and madness, raising thought-provoking questions about the nature of humanity itself.