Marlow's narrative is set against the backdrop of the brutal ivory trade, highlighting the hypocrisy of the colonial mission. The "pilgrims" he travels with are depicted as empty, greedy men. In contrast, Kurtz has substance, even if that substance is evil. Accessing a Heart of Darkness PDF is a great way to explore these character dynamics. The novella is a study in contrasts: black and white, light and dark, sound and silence. It is a literary experience that stays with you, forcing you to question the foundations of your own morality.