Instead, our morals and civilization simply mask the truth, that the true nature of the world is darkness, and evil. Conrad wrote the Heart of Darkness when Europeans were engrossed with Imperialism.

Interestingly, the character of Kurtz goes mad when his light goes out. The light is symbolic of the civilized side of human nature in society. In contrast, the dark represents the savage or uncivilized side of our society and individual natures. In the dark, Kurtz begins to question the value of European society, and civilization. This is a direct challenge to the principles of the Enlightenment.

Conrad states, "The brown current ran swiftly out of the heart of darkness..." This describes the savage and uncivilized nature of the Congo that Marlow and Kurtz are attempting to escape. Interestingly, Kurtz is broken by staring into the "heart of the darkness," symbolizing mans' true evil nature. In contrast, staring into...
[ View Full Essay]