Some motifs are decay, darkness, stagnancy, and selfishness. These morbid motifs are repeatedly pounded into the story, so that these ideas are implanted into our brains. These motifs suggest that human nature is responsible for the underlying evil found in us all. Human "darkness" is foun...

Stagnancy vs. Progression Marlow's journey into the African Congo reflects his mindset of progress, moving forward and coming closer to his achievements, yet certain obstacles prevent his movement and leave him in a standstill. The river should be a propelling element, pushing Marlow closer to Kurtz...

Heart of Darkness refers to evil human nature, an immoral personality that resides in us all. During the era of colonization, Europeans saw themselves as the most civilized, an act for society's superficial approval. But in the Congo without people watching them, the Europeans expose their hearts of...

Jonathan Tang 1st period. I really enjoy Conrad's style of writing. :D The plot is easy to follow, and the setting of the river and African "darkness" is very descriptive. Although his details of the settings are flowery, it's imagery casts a veil over the jungle, making for a confusing, c...