Joseph Conrad's novel, Heart of Darkness, is understood to be a story bleeding with absolute truth and immense focus on reality- - the truth and reality of the cruelty of man no matter where in the world. This piece of literary genius explores vividly the meaning of our cruel lives toward our fellow man. When faced with shocking truths, are we then only faced with the brutal truths of man? .
The protagonist, Marlow, toils with his conscious as he goes to the Congo, witnessing the effects of his countries imperialism. Conrad uses Marlow's struggles through the Congo to witness man in a whole new meaning, getting across to the reader the imperialistic nature of Marlow's. Marlow's "change," is caused by his exposure to the truth of reality of Africa and how, his once, imperialistic views blinded this truth. .
Heart of Darkness is a story of one man's journey through the African Congo and the "enlightenment" of his soul. It begins with Charlie Marlow, along with a few of his comrades, cruising aboard the Nellie. On the boat, Marlow begins to tell of his experiences in the Congo. Conrad uses Marlow to reveal all the personal thoughts and emotions that he wants to portray to the reader- - the brutality of man's true world:.
They were dying slowly- - it was very clear. They were not enemies, they were not criminals, they were nothing earthly now, nothing but black shadows of disease and starvation lying confusedly in the greenish gloom. (Conrad 20).
Marlow is an Englishmen through and through. He's never been this exposed to any alternative form of culture than he has with the heart of Africa. Throughout the book, Conrad, reveals to the reader the naive mentality shared by every European. Marlow as well, shares this naiveté in the beginning of his voyage. However, after his first few moments in the Congo, he realizes the ignorance he and all his comrades possess. .
One of the Europeans obliviousness towards reality is seen when Marlow is recounting his adventure aboard the Nellie.