Author James Conrad, in his short story "Heart of Darkness," uses light in an attempt to symbolize the civilization of the European world and those things which, by appearances, are generally accepted as "good." To emphasize the acceptability of good or light, it is often contrasted to the symbolization of darkness, which Conrad shows as uncivilized, savage or bad. Conrad uses the character's reactions to light, bright or otherwise colorful things and events to encourage the reader to concur that these symbols represent the civilization he's left in Europe and the goodness of that civilization.
             The use of light as good is seen early in the story when the narrator comments on the setting sun. He says the "glowing white changed to a dull red without rays and without heat, as if about to go out suddenly, stricken to death by the touch of that gloom brooding over a crowd of men" (345). The narrator is comparing the light to life and the darkness to the gloom and death that follows.
             As Marlow begins recounting his arduous trip through the Congo, he reflects upon times past – other rivers that, once uncivilized and dark, are now teeming with civilization and brightness. He states, "Light came out of this river since – you say Knights?... But darkness was here yesterday" (346). Here, Marlow is referring to the Thames as at one time being uncivilized and dark, but since the time of the Knights' exploration and resulting development of the river's banks and surrounding land, is now referred to as good, or light. Marlow also refers to the light reflecting on the water. The reader gets a sense that Conrad is trying to relay that the passengers of the "Nellie" represent civilization for the voyages they undertake.
             Conrad later compares Marlow's boyhood idealism of adventure and spirit with light. He does this as
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