Joseph Conrad 
Heart of Darkness 

Joseph Conrad’s ‘Heart of Darkness’ is a masterpiece of modernist literature that explores the dark heart of imperialism and the human psyche. Written in a highly descriptive and introspective style, the novella follows the journey of Charles Marlow as he navigates the Congo River and encounters the horrors of colonialism. Conrad’s use of symbolism and narrative techniques, such as framing devices and unreliable narration, adds layers of complexity to the story. Set in the late 19th century, the novella reflects Conrad’s own experiences as a sailor and his disillusionment with European expansion. The exploration of themes such as power, morality, and cultural decay make ‘Heart of Darkness’ a timeless and influential work in the canon of English literature. Fans of psychological fiction and post-colonial literature will find this novella both thought-provoking and hauntingly captivating.

Circa l’autore

Joseph Conrad, born Józef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowski on December 3, 1857, in Berdychiv, Ukraine, then part of the Russian Empire, was a preeminent Polish-British author of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Conrad’s narrative style and anti-heroic characters have positioned him as a literary forerunner of modernist literature. His notable contribution to the English language canon, despite it being his third language after Polish and French, is marked by a sophisticated use of English prose and profound character development. Conrad’s most renowned work, ‘Heart of Darkness’ (1899), remains a seminal critique of imperialism and colonialism, intertwining personal reflection with broader social commentary. The novella is often studied for its rich symbolism, complex narrative structure, and exploration of the human psyche. Conrad’s oeuvre includes other significant works such as ‘Lord Jim’ (1900) and ‘Nostromo’ (1904), which further exhibit his thematic preoccupations with the clash between civilization and the wilderness, the ambiguities of moral conduct, and the fragility of human ideals in the face of societal and individual corruption. Conrad’s influence extends beyond literature into the realm of psychology and philosophy, providing a bridge between Victorian values and the emerging modern consciousness. He died on August 3, 1924, in Bishopsbourne, England, but his works remain a subject of academic and literary study, a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of literary arts.