Heart of Darkness (novel)

*Heart of Darkness* by Joseph Conrad is a novella about a seafarer named Marlow who journeys into the Congo River to find a mysterious ivory trader, Kurtz. As he ventures deeper into the jungle, Marlow confronts the darkness within human nature—greed, violence, and moral corruption—reflected in Kurtz’s descent into madness. The story explores the thin veneer of civilization and the primal instincts that lie beneath, offering a profound critique of imperialism and the darkness residing in all people. It invites reflection on morality, power, and the complexities of human intent.