Symbols, setting and ironies of Heart of DarknessJoseph Conrad's novel, Heart of Darkness, is about many things: navigation, river navigation, the trade and exploration, imperialism and colonialism, race relations, trying to find meaning in the universe while trying to unravel the mysteries of the subconscious. Heart of Darkness is a gripping portrait of European imperialism. In other words, the book is a story about European "acts of imperial mastery" (1503) - its methods and the effects they had on human nature - and it is likely that Conrad incorporated much of his own experience in Congo and his opinions. on imperialism in history. Beyond the shield of civilization and in the depths of a primeval and untamed frontier lies the true face of the human soul. It is in the midst of this savagery and relentless danger that humanity is confronted with the brooding nature of its inner self. The setting is relevant to the overall theme of the novel. As the plot opens, Marlow begins to compare the Thames to the Congo. He describes the two rivers as being connected like “an endless waterway” (Conrad 65). Marlow means that the two are linked symbolically. Both represent the continuing passage of the ivory trade. Ivory is transported from Africa via the Congo and to Europe via the Thames. The Thames is described as peaceful and tranquil while the Congo is its antithesis. Both are associated with darkness, however, the River Thames has "conquered" its darkness and is now peaceful. Conrad describes London as the “light” of the world and Africa as “one of the darkest places on earth” (p. 67). Europe is highly civilized and refined while Africa is considered ...... middle of paper ...... In Heart of Darkness, Conrad reflects the true nature of man. He concludes that in every man there is a heart of darkness. "This heart is drowned in a bath of light poured out by the advent of civilization. No man is an island, and no man can live on an island without becoming a brutal savage. Inside his heart lies the raw evil of an untamed way of life” (Heart of Darkness: A Systematic Assessment). Works cited "Le Congo" Created December 7, 1995 (accessed February 12, 1997). Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness. New York: Penguin Books, 1983. “The Fear” Premiered December 7, 1995 (accessed February 12, 1997). "Heart of Darkness: A systematic assessment of the darkness inherent in the souls of men" "The Perfect Native" Created December 7, 1995 (Accessed February 12, 1997). "The Setting" Created December 7, 1995 (Accessed February 12 1997).