"Heart of Darkness" by Conrad

Paper Summary:

In this paper the author highlights the significant elements of the novel that coalesce to tell a story that is deeply psychological and analytic. He points out how Conrad engages in the centuries-old dialogue regarding the human being and its capacity for good and evil. The paper finishes with the central theme of the book which deals with the "darkness" of man's soul, the mysterious, ethereal motivations that drive him to acts of great injustice against the world and against himself.

From the Paper:

"Marlow's story dominates the narrative for the rest of the book. He tells it in first person narrative, which is kept in quotations to serve as a reminder of the original narrator's unspoken presence. Although the introduction serves to establish a quiet flavor of meditative attention among the men of the ship, it would seem that Conrad contrived this point-of-view arrangement in order to justify Marlow's lengthy recapitulation. His listeners expect such a story. The point of view being thus removed suggestively indicates a quest for internal clarification that mirrors Marlow's journey down the Congo. "

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