Significant topics and ideas are frequently present in this story which make the story, "A Heart of Darkness", by Joseph Conrad, a disturbing novel. The main theme is the absolute power of the whites over the natives. The theme validates the corruption and dependence caused by the whites when they conquered the Congo. The white men were giving all the power; they had no self-control and ultimately did not use it wisely. White men have become immoral. In Heart of Darkness, the main character is Charlie Marlow. He is a self-motivated character who essentially controls the development of the theme. Through Marlow's experiences and revelations, the author illustrates how the forces of light and darkness serve to weave the human soul together; so basically how much good and bad are reflected in an individual. Marlow's journey takes him on an urgent search for Kurtz, the only man who can provide him with the truth about himself. Like Marlow, Kurtz came to the Congo hoping to bring "light" and civilization to a backward society. Congo was under the power of Belgium, as stated here: “The Congo Free State was a former African state covering much of the territory comprising the modern Democratic Republic of the Congo. He was created in 1880 through agreements with local rulers by a group of European investors led by Leopold II, King of the Belgians.(http://history.state.gov/countries/congo-free-state)He is a highly cultured gentleman and refined; however, ultimately, Congo's brutal nature forces him to resort to the life of a murderer and thief. The name Kurtz itself has a symbolic meaning. “Physical brevity in Kurtz implies a lack of character and spirit” (Heart of Darkness: A systemat...... middle of paper......the true nature of man. He concludes that within every man finds a heart of darkness. “This heart is drowned in a bath of light spread by the advent of civilization. Norman is an island, and no man can live on the island without becoming a brutal savage" (Heart of Darkness: a systematic evaluation). Works Cited "The Congo" Created December 7, 1995 (accessed February 12, 1997). Conrad, Joseph "Heart of Darkness" New York: Penguin Books, 1983. "The Fear" Created December 7, 1995. accessed February 12, 1997).“Heart of Darkness: A Systematic Assessment of the Inherent Darkness of the Souls of Men” “The Perfect Native” Created December 7, 1995 (accessed February 12, 1997). gov/countries/congo-free-state"The Setting" Created December 7, 1995 (accessed February 12 1997).