On his voyage up the Congo River, Marlow is confronted with culture clash, wilderness, disease, insanity and death and returns to Europe a changed man. ... He is shocked by the apathetic attitude of other colonials towards the sight of death. ... It is clear that Marlow already sides with the natives. ... At this stage of the novel, Marlow's interests start to change from the mysterious Congo River to the intriguing Kurtz. ...

• Word Count: 4081
• Approx Pages: 16
• Grade Level: High School

His nature is sinful and his state perilous-(Golding, "Fable-, The Hot Gates and Other Occasional Pieces, Harcourt, Brace & World, New York, 1965, page 61). ... Joseph Conrad's experiences with the dark side of human nature also heavily influence his work. ... "They were not enemies, they were not criminals, they were nothing but earthly now, nothing but black shadows of disease and starvation - This quote shows Conrad's sympathy for those who are being exploited for the benefit of others. For sixteen years he worked as a sailor and in 1890 he sailed up the Congo River. ...

• Word Count: 4223
• Approx Pages: 17
• Grade Level: High School