More themes

The theme/motif of appearance vs. reality parallels Conrad's illustration of the Company as the colonization that is supposed to bring about good tidings actually brings about a sense of destruction. The Company's motive at first appears to mirror an economic venture, but immorality soon prevails over this drive. A theme of civilization vs. savagery also influences the plot of the novel. Irony exists in the fact that although the African natives are characterized as uncivilized from the point of view of the Company and many others (including Marlow’s aunt), the tide eventually shifts as the dark side of the Company is revealed. The innocent natives in turn become the more emotionally civilized entities of the story, even though they may not physically appear to be. This brings about another theme of Heart of Darkness, physical vs. emotional conduct. What is physically black in the story (the natives) is viewed as savage in all aspects, and what is white (the Company) is regarded as pure when it should not be.