The Evil of Colonialism Exposed in the Heart of DarknessMarlow was an average European man with average European beliefs. Like most Europeans of his time, Marlow believed in colonialism; that is, until he met Kurtz. Kurtz forces Marlow to rethink his current beliefs after Marlow learns of the effects of colonialism deep in the African Congo. In Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, Marlow learns that he has lived his entire life believing in sugar-coated evil. Marlow's understanding of Kurtz's experiences shows him the effects that colonialism can have on a man's soul. In Europe, colonialism was highlighted as a great and noble cause. It was considered the white man's mission to help civilize and improve a savage race. At the beginning of the book, Marlow talks about the Roman conquest of Britain and the similar situation in Africa. The Romans viewed the British people as savages and looked down upon them because they believed they had accomplished more. I believe Marlow made this comparison to ironically show that Europeans are not as superior...... middle of paper ...... Critical, 1988. Edward W. Said, The World, the Text, and the Critic. (Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1983) 13. Hillman, James. “Notes on White Supremacy: An Essay on an Archetypal Narrative of Historical Events,” Spring (1986): 29-57.McLynn, Frank. Hearts of Darkness: European Exploration of Africa. New York: Carol & Gey, 1992. Meyers, Jeffrey. Joseph Conrad. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1991. Patrick Brantlinger, “Heart of Darkness: Anti-Imperialism, Racism or Impressionism? Review (fall, 1985) 364.