Introduction

Even though I have not yet gotten into the real meat of the book, Conrad's description of the Thames River has already attached me to the story. The water becomes a loaded symbol of memories, power, pride, and serenity. It is a magical medium through which extraordinary events have occurred and will continue occurring- a place where history is made. Conrad uses contrasts of light and dark in his description of the setting as well as in the title itself: Heart of Darkness. The scenery becomes a dynamic character in that it has transformed from a primitive state. The frame story begins to take shape as Marlow begins relating his memories to the other men on board who are only named by their occupations. The unnamed narrator frames this narrative by describing the circumstances under which Marlow's story is told.