Theme of Darkness in Heart of Darkness

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad is a novella that explores the complex theme of darkness, both in its literal and metaphorical forms. The novel delves into the physical, moral, psychological, and colonial aspects of darkness, symbolizing the unknown, human depravity, and the hidden truths of European imperialism. The Title: "Heart of Darkness" The title "Heart of Darkness" is central to understanding the novel's exploration of darkness. The word “darkness” in the title has multiple layers of meaning: Geographical Darkness: The Congo, where much of the story takes place, is often referred to as the “dark heart” of Africa, representing the uncharted, mysterious, and ominous nature of the continent to European colonizers. Human Darkness: The title suggests the exploration of the deepest, darkest aspects of the human psyche. It implies that at the core of every human being lies a potential for evil, cruelty, and moral decay, as seen in the characters of Kurtz and ot…