Heart of Darkness (novella)

"Heart of Darkness" is a novella by Joseph Conrad that explores the dark aspects of human nature and imperialism. It narrates the journey of a riverboat captain, Marlow, into the Congo to find an elusive ivory trader named Kurtz. The story reveals how the supposed civilizing mission of European imperialists often exposes greed, cruelty, and moral corruption. Through Marlow's experiences, the novella questions the veneer of civilization and suggests that darkness resides within all humans, making it a profound reflection on morality, power, and the human condition.