Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad: Summary and Themes
Heart of Darkness is a novella by Joseph Conrad, first published or performed around 1899. This study guide gives a summary, themes and revision tips.
Summary
Marlow travels up the Congo and meets the enigmatic Kurtz.
Key Themes
The main themes are imperialism, savagery and moral darkness.
Quick Facts
| Title | Heart of Darkness |
|---|---|
| Author | Joseph Conrad |
| Date | 1899 |
| Form | novella |
Study Questions
- How does Joseph Conrad present the theme of imperialism?
- Which characters or images best express the central ideas of Heart of Darkness?
- How does the novella form shape the reader's response?