... the beginning of the novella, Conrad introduces his audience to the complicated main character of Marlow. Conrad uses Marlow as the main narrator and conduit to which Conrad's own voice and opinions speak through. From Marlow's perspective, as well as from the perspective of his listeners, the reader is introduced to the story of his journey into the African Congo through a series of flashbacks. At the onset of the text, Marlow's adventurous and intensely nationalistic spirit shines through, as illustrated in the following excerpt, "Change; captains, admirals, the dark "interlopers" of the Eastern trade, and the "commissioned" generals of East India fleets. Hunters for gold or pursuers of fame, they all had gone out on that stream, bearing the sword, and often the torch, messengers of the might within the land, bearers of spark from the sacred fire. What greatness had not floated on the ebb of that river ...

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