Heart of Darkness is one of the best books ever written not just for its symbolism or meaning, but the psychological traits it has. This story is about the evil side of the human soul, its darkness. It makes the difference because it´s one of the first books that explore the inner soul of its fictional characters. The word “darkness” implies numerous things in Heart of Darkness. Usually one of the wonders of the novel and verification of the virtuoso of Conrad. “Darkness” within the title relates to the fiendish side of the human soul, the one which is hidden deep within the heart and is tied up like a wild creature, particularly within the so-called “civilized” nations and places of the world where there are strict laws to protect people from crimes being committed against them. . The word “darkness” within the title of the novel is crucial since it is the key to understanding not only one of the purposes of the novel, but also the central subject of Conrad´s scholarly manifestations and, particularly, his early fiction. The word “Darkness” can also allude to the dark landmass, Africa, and the dark nation, the Congo, but, for the most part, it alludes all throughout the novel, to the fiendish portion of the human soul. It is imperative to keep in mind that the wilderness is full of thick vegetation, which does not allow the light to get through. In this case, the wilderness of the Congo, particularly at that time, must have been dull, a genuine tropical forest/jungle, so the word “darkness” relates to the physical characteristics of the wilderness too. [1] Abrams, Meyer Howard, ‘The Norton Anthology of English Literature.Volume. Package 2 ’ (2012)

**Canonical or colonial?** • Joseph Conrad’s novella _Heart of Darkness_ (1899) is arguably one of the most widely-read and controversial books ever written. It follows Charles Marlow, the captain of a boat for an ivory trading company, on an expedition of Africa along the Congo River. • _Heart of Darkness_ is generally thought to be of literary merit and is firmly placed within the [Western canon](https://theboar.org/2018/08/the-literary-canon-over-the-years/). The Guardian recently placed it at number 32 of the [greatest books ever written](https://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/apr/28/100-best-novels-heart-of-darkness-joseph-conrad). The academic [Harold Bloom](https://bishopallenlibrary.weebly.com/uploads/1/1/0/4/11040429/heart-of-darkness-blooms-guides.pdf) claims that it is “now recognised as the most studied work of literature in college and university curricular”. Many perceive the novel to be a critique of imperialism. • However, others have criticised Conrad and argue that the novel promotes a colonial and racist mindset. The Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe argues in his postcolonial essay (amended from a lecture) [‘An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad’s _Heart of Darkness_’](https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/3818468.pdf?refreqid=excelsior%3A50b7d7e8e799f1a48faead9ad6fff98d) that Conrad “was a bloody racist”, depicting Africa as “the antithesis of Europe” and dehumanising African people. Achebe contends that we cannot split the artist from the art: he asks and concludes “whether a novel which celebrates this dehumanisation […] can be called a great work of art. My answer is: No, it cannot.”.