Like all rivers the Congo is always flowing with a strong current. Darkness is a major theme of the story and the river is one of the first places we discover this darkness. It was dark and filled with many dangers including the native people.

The jungle seemed to hold many secrets within its gloomy appearance. Marlow also had to face the evil of the jungle around him. Marlow explains that looking back on the situation now he was surprised he didn’t become someone’s dinner. Without much food on the boat hunger is always lingering in the pit of the crews’ stomach. One of the main temptations faced by the crew is cannibalism. Kurtz, a wealthy businessman who needs to transport his goods. The men on Marlow’s boat faced many of these temptations while traveling to meet Mr. Snakes are often thought of as temptation and evil. The Congo River is very curved and winding which makes it look like a snake. Rivers can hold many meanings in and of itself including its movement, shape, and appearance. The first symbol Conrad uses is the Congo River itself. His story is full of descriptions of many objects that have a deeper meaning, otherwise known as symbolism. He faced many obstacles along the way as well as many unfriendly native tribesmen. His mission was to travel up the long, treacherous river in order to transport ivory from Africa to other countries to sell. Charles Marlow is an Englishman who is traveling up the River Thames and is telling his crew the story about traveling through the Congo.

Heart of darkness by joseph conrad