Characters
Who is the protagonist of Heart of Darkness?
Marlow
Where does the story take place?
The Congo River
What does the ivory symbolize?
(Greed and exploitation)
What does the “heart of darkness” refer to? (The human capacity for evil)
(The human capacity for evil)
Who says, “The horror! The horror!”?
(Kurtz)
$200: Who is the mysterious ivory trader that Marlow is sent to find?
Kurtz
What is Marlow’s main mission?
To transport ivory and locate Kurtz
What does the Congo River represent in the novel?
(A journey into the unknown and into the darkness of human nature)
How does Conrad critique European imperialism?
(He portrays it as hypocritical and destructive.)
What does Marlow mean when he says, “I don’t like work. I had rather lazed about and thought of all the fine things that can be done. I don’t like work. But I like what is in the work”?
(He finds meaning in effort and struggle rather than idleness.)
What is the role of the Russian in the novel?
He is a devoted follower of Kurtz and helps Marlow understand him.
What does Marlow discover about Kurtz’s health when he finally meets him?
Kurtz is sickly and close to death
How is darkness used symbolically in the novel?
(It represents moral corruption and the unknown aspects of human nature.)
How does the novel depict the clash between civilization and savagery?
(It suggests that civilization is a thin veneer that can easily be stripped away.)
Who says, “Wean those ignorant millions from their horrid ways, and so on”?
(Marlow’s Aunt, reflecting European imperialist attitudes.)
Who is obsessed with keeping detailed records and maintaining an orderly appearance?
The Accountant
How does Marlow react to the brutal treatment of native Africans?
He is disturbed but remains complicit in the system.
How does Conrad use light and darkness to develop themes about colonialism?
(Darkness is often associated with truth, while light represents the illusion of civilization.)
How does Marlow’s view of civilization change throughout the story?
(He starts with admiration but ends in disillusionment.)
What does Marlow mean when he says that he “peeps over the edge” of things?
He has glimpsed the dark truths of human nature but remains somewhat detached.
Who expresses concern for Marlow’s safety before his journey and believes in the European mission?
His Aunt
What does Marlow lie about to Kurtz’s Intended?
He tells her that Kurtz’s last words were her name instead of “The horror! The horror!
What is the significance of the heads on stakes outside Kurtz’s compound?
(They symbolize his descent into savagery and the ultimate failure of European ideals.)
What does the novel suggest about truth and deception?
That people often choose comforting illusions over harsh realities.
How does Marlow’s final statement to the Intended reinforce the novel’s themes?
(It shows how even he chooses to uphold illusions rather than face brutal truths.)