Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad is a novella that delves into the darkness of human nature and the horrors of colonialism. It follows Charles Marlow, a sailor who travels deep into the Congo to find Kurtz, an ivory trader who has become a tyrant among the indigenous people. As Marlow journeys through the African jungle, he uncovers the brutal realities of European imperialism and the moral corruption it breeds. Kurtz's descent into madness symbolizes the destructive power of unchecked ambition. Through its vivid narrative, Heart of Darkness explores themes of civilization, savagery, and the fragile boundaries between them.