Heart of Darkness itself ends as the narrator, one of Marlow’s audience, sees a mass of brooding clouds gathering on the horizon—what seems to him to be “heart of an immense darkness.”

What does the heart of darkness critical?

Heart of Darkness examines the horrors of Western colonialism, depicting it as a phenomenon that tarnishes not only the lands and peoples it exploits but also those in the West who advance it.

What are the key points of Heart of Darkness?

Major themes of the novella include human folly, the aforementioned darkness, and the lack of restraint that leads to barbarity. In the course of his travels, Marlow does come to one important conclusion: civilization requires restraint. He realizes this when he encounters cannibals, who lack all restraint.

What is the central claim of Heart of Darkness?

Heart of Darkness was first published as a three-part serial story in Blackwood’s Magazine. Central to Conrad’s work is the idea that there is little difference between “civilised people” and “savages.” Heart of Darkness implicitly comments on imperialism and racism.