Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness"

"Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad is a novella that explores the darkness within human nature and colonialism. It follows a journey up the Congo River, where a man named Marlow seeks to find the mysterious ivory trader, Kurtz. Through this voyage, the story reveals the brutality, moral corruption, and emptiness that can arise when power and greed override ethics. The narrative emphasizes the thin line between civilization and savagery, prompting reflection on the corrupting influence of imperialism and the darker aspects of the human soul.