On a boat near the estuary of the Thames, Marlow tells his travelling companions of his reconnaissance expedition for a Belgian trading company to its most remote outpost in central Africa, which brought him on the trail of the elusive Kurtz, a brilliant idealist gone rogue. His account relates not only the perils he encounters on his quest, but also the deterioration of his state of mind as he is confronted with a world that is hostile and alien to him.Renowned for its stylistic boldness and dramatic descriptions, "Heart of Darkness" is stark yet subtle examination of the powers of the subconscious and the workings of western imperialism.