The narrative is a first-person account of the protagonist's experiences on a ship that travels from London to the Congo Free State. The story explores themes of colonialism, imperialism, and the clash between Western values and African culture. The protagonist is a young man who has been sent to the Congo as a representative of a shipping company. He is tasked with overseeing the loading and unloading of cargo at various ports along the way. As the ship travels upriver into the heart of Africa, the protagonist becomes increasingly disillusioned with the harsh realities of colonialism and the exploitation of native populations by European powers. The narrative is marked by a sense of disorientation and confusion, as the protagonist struggles to make sense of the unfamiliar culture and customs he encounters. Throughout the book, Conrad critiques the notion of Western superiority and highlights the destructive consequences of unchecked imperialism.
By Joseph Conrad · First published 1912 · Genre: Autobiography, Literary Non-fiction, Philosophical · 7 chapters