Heart of Darkness (theory)

"Heart of Darkness" is a theory that explores how underlying human instincts—such as greed, cruelty, and the desire for power—can surface when societal constraints weaken. It suggests that beneath the veneer of civilization, people harbor primal urges that can emerge in extreme situations, revealing the darker aspects of human nature. The story by Joseph Conrad exemplifies this by depicting a journey into the Congo, symbolizing a confrontation with these hidden impulses and questions about morality, identity, and the essence of humanity.