Heart of Darkness Summary

• Book Summary

  • Part One: The Narrator

    • **Introduction**: Charlie Marlow, the narrator, retells his experiences from a deck chair, after returning from a journey to Africa.

    • **Setting**: London, at dusk, with Marlow and others gathered on a yacht.

    • **Theme**: The contrast between civilization and the unknown wilds of Africa.

    • **Youthful Dreams**: Marlow talks about his early fascination with ships and the sea.

    • **Career Path**: His journey as a seaman and the influence of his aunt in securing a position.

  • Part Two: The Congo

    • **The Congo River**: Description of the Congo River and its significance in Africa.

    • **Kurtz**: Mention of Kurtz, an ivory trader stationed deep in the Congo, known for his reputation.

    • **Journey Begins**: Marlow embarks on a steamboat journey up the Congo River.

    • **Encounters**: His encounters with various characters along the way, each adding complexity to the story.

    • **Moral Dilemmas**: The characters grapple with moral questions regarding the colonial exploitation.

    • **Doubts and Fears**: Increasing darkness metaphorically representing deeper moral and philosophical quandaries.

  • Part Three: Kurtz

    • **Arrival**: Marlow reaches the Inner Station and meets Kurtz.

    • **Contrast**: Kurtz's extravagant lifestyle versus the surrounding squalor.

    • **Attempt**: Marlow struggles with rescuing Kurtz, who has become ill and mentally deranged.

    • **Kurtz's Last Words**: His famous last words "The horror! The horror!" which resonate with themes of the novel.

    • **Reflection**: Marlow returns downriver with Kurtz's body, reflecting on the experience.

    • **Deception**: Discussion of the lies and illusions that Kurtz and others use to justify their actions.