Marlow's catharsis in Heart of Darkness Conrad's novel, Heart of Darkness, is based on the historical period of imperialism to describe its protagonist, Charlie Marlow, and his struggle. Marlow's catharsis in the novel, as he travels to the Congo, is based on how he visualizes the effects of imperialism. This article will analyze Marlow's "change" caused by his exposure to the imperialistic nature of the historical period in which he lived. Marlow is asked by the "company", the organization he works for, to go to the Congo River and tell them about Mr. Kurtz, one of their top-notch officers. When he sets sail, he doesn't know what to expect. Once his journey is complete, this little "journey" will change Marlow forever! Heart of Darkness is the story of a man's journey through the African Congo and the "enlightenment" of his soul. It begins with Charlie Marlow, along with some of his companions, cruising aboard the Nellie, a traditional sailing vessel. On the boat Marlow begins to talk about his experiences in the Congo. Conrad uses Marlow to reveal all the personal thoughts and emotions he wants to portray as Marlow goes on this "journey of a lifetime". Marlow begins his journey as an ordinary English sailor who goes to the African Congo on a "business voyage". He is an Englishman through and through. He has never been exposed to any alternative form of culture, similar to what he will encounter in Africa, and has no idea of ​​the drastically different culture that exists out there. Throughout the book, Conrad, through Marlow's observations, reveals to the reader the naive mentality shared by every European. Marlow also shares this naivety at the beginning of his journey. However, after the first moments spent in Congo, he realizes the ignorance that he and all his companions possess. We first recognize the general naivety of Europeans when Marlow's aunt sees him for the last time before embarking on his journey. Marlow's aunt assumes that the journey is a mission to "wean those ignorant millions from their horrible ways" (18-19). In reality, however, the Europeans are there in the name of imperialism and their only goal is to make a substantial profit by harvesting all the ivory in Africa. Another manifestation of the Europeans' indifference to reality is seen when Marlow recounts his adventure on board the ship. Nellie.