Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, Fiction, Classics, Literary

A novella about a voyage up the Congo River into the Congo Free State, in the heart of Africa, as told by the story's narrator Marlow. Marlow tells his story to friends aboard a boat anchored on the River Thames, London, England. This setting provides the frame for Marlow's story of his obsession with the ivory trader Kurtz, which enables Conrad to create a parallel between London and Africa as places of darkness.

Joseph Conrad was born Polish but became one of the foremost English language authors, known for modernist fiction that delves into complex issues of morality, idealism, and security. Much of his work is largely based on his experiences as a sailor in the British Merchant Service. Heart of Darkness was drawn from his psychologically and physically traumatic experience as a steamboat captain recorded in his Congo Diaries. Other popular works include Popular works include Lord Jim, Nostromo, The Secret Agent, and Victory.