Characters, settings, themes and symbols of Heart of DarknessDeep in the chest of every man, woman and child beats the heart of darkness. On the surface, humanity has reached a sophisticated level of civilization. Joseph Conrad forces the reader to peel away the immaculate layer of softness and see the unchanged truth. Heart of Darkness reveals the true nature behind every smile, handshake and conversation. Conrad's depiction of characters, setting, symbols, and ironies allows the reader to reflect on the true nature of man. Each of the main characters in Heart of Darkness plays an important role in the overall theme of the novel. The central character is a thirty-two-year-old sailor, Charlie Marlow. He is a dynamic 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 together the human soul; so, essentially, how good and evil reflect in an individual. Marlow's journey leads him on an urgent search for Kurtz, the only man who can...... middle of paper ... art lies the raw evil of an untamed lifestyle" (Heart of Darkness : A Systematic Assessment). Works Cited “The Congo” Premiered December 7, 1997 (accessed February 12, 2002). accessed February 12, 2002). December 1997 (accessed February 12 2002).