Heart of Darkness is a short novel that follows a voyage up the Congo River, deep into the heart of Africa. As narrated by the world-weary Marlow, this emotionally complex narrative focuses on a brilliant ivory trader named Kurtz and what happens to "civilized" men once they lose track of their moral compass.
Central to Conrad's work is the idea that there is little difference between so-called civilized people and those described as savages; Heart of Darkness raises important questions about imperialism and racism.