Heart of Darkness

Set against the backdrop of a voyage up the Congo River, the novella explores themes of imperialism and the duality of civilization. The narrator, Marlow, recounts his obsession with the enigmatic ivory trader Kurtz while sharing his tale with friends on the Thames. This framing device allows Conrad to juxtapose the perceived darkness of Africa with the moral ambiguities of London, highlighting the pervasive nature of colonialism and the human psyche's depths.