Realization of Inner Evil in Heart of Darkness Thomas Moser said that "to be truly alive one must recognize truth, darkness, evil and inner death" ( Moser, 156).Joseph Conrad's novel, Heart of Darkness, goes far in explaining and proving this statement. Throughout the novel the reader takes part in a spiritual and internal journey through Africa and the mind of the protagonist, Marlow Thanks to his newly acquired knowledge and experience, he is able to show his understanding of life and narrate his journey to Africa. Heart of Darkness explores the idea of ​​self-discovery and the realization of inner evil through the Kurtz characters and Marlow and through the exploration of the dark continent of Africa. Throughout the novel the reader comes into contact with Kurtz only through Marlow and the comments of other minor characters Kurtz is a first class agent employed at an ivory station in center of Africa. Thanks to his great ability to steal and kill without mercy, he is considered the best in obtaining ivory. After meeting Kurtz, Marlow considers him an extraordinary man because Kurtz is aware of the darkness and evil in his life and in the world. He also knows “the depth to which man is capable of sinking” (Dowden, 159). Living in the heart of Africa Kurtz discovered the truth about himself. He is aware of evil and good, but lacks moderation and therefore chooses evil. Kurtz is, for the most part, alone in the wilderness, however, he is not alone in his wickedness. Kurtz's inner evil spreads towards Africa, making it the dark place it becomes in the novel. The local population has become corrupt due to Kurtz and co's position of power...... middle of paper ......den, Wilfred S. "I Start with Definite Images." Joseph Conrad: The imagined style. Nashville: Vanderbilt University Press, 1970. Pp. 39- 102.Guerard, Albert J. "Conrad the Novelist" Cambridge Harvard University Press, c.1958.Joseph Conrad: Heart of Darkness, A Case Study in Contemporary Criticism, ed. Ross C. Murfin. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1989. Montag, George E. "Marlow Tells the Truth: The Nature of Evil in Heart of Darkness." Conradiana 3, 2 (1971-72): 93-97.Moser, Thomas C. "The Uncongenial Subject." Joseph Conrad: success and decline. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 1957. Pp. 50-130. Stewart, Garrett. "To lie is to die in the heart of darkness." PMLA 95 (1980): 319-331. Wright, Walter F. "Entry into the Heart of Darkness." Romanticism and tragedy in Joseph Conrad. New York: Russell and Russell, 1966. Pp. 143-160.