Women in the Heart of DarknessWomen appear to be classified into a distinct group, serving as complements to the actions, characters, and behaviors of men. Each of them seems to live in their own kingdom, built on an idealistic conception of the world around them, governed by fair rules and laws. The two women Marlow meets in the Company office are knitting black wool – they represent the Fates who guard the "gate of Darkness" (Hell and Destruction) and at "home in a city of the dead". The color black can be associated with the native people on whose destruction and exploitation the society was based. Black is also equivalent to the darkness into which Marlow descends (sin and death). Wool can mean the thread of life. Their appearance is prefigured by the two black hens who “decided” Fresleven’s destiny. Marlow's aunt is depicted with an underlying irony ("a dear enthusiastic soul") that points to the illusory existence of a white woman in his civilized fantasy world. She was “ready to do anything” for Marlow in the name of a “noble cause”, namely to colonize black people and establish civilization in the darkness of the Congo. She firmly believes that her nephew is the "emissary of light", unaware of the dark level of exploitation of the natives for financial gain (ivory). The painting of a woman “blindfolded, carrying a lighted torch” that Marlow admires signifies the original intentions. of Kurtz and his beliefs before he was swallowed up by the tempting Darkness. He should have been an emissary of light but he remained blindfolded and did not see the consequences that led to his self-destruction. The painting indicates the original and good character of Kurtz, lost in the darkness of the Congo. The indigenous woman represents the entire black community and the beauty of the wilderness, both invaded by “civilized” white people. She is the passionate reality, “wild and superb, with a crazy and magnificent look,” reminding white people of black heritage and their own culture (jewelry). The gesture of throwing one's arms to the sky may symbolize a silent cry to God to restore the original time when the earth had not been plundered and peace and freedom reigned ("wild sorrow... stupid pain") . The lack of unspoken words only reiterates his appearance and the message sent by his behavior. Kurtz's fiancée opposes the native woman – Destiny, as her name signifies, will remain Destiny, living with an idealistic image of herself. future husband whom she undoubtedly believed to have impeccable character and behavior.