In the novel Heart of Darkness, written by Joseph Conrad, there are many references that pertain to truth. Some of these references discuss universal truth, some illustrate symbolic truth, while others present individual truths that impose themselves on the main character and narrator Marlow. Conrad also establishes the ideas of good truth and evil truth, which are subdivisions of the universal truth that he illustrates. The good truth can be said to be synonymous with white truth, represented by light and the virtuous side of man, while the evil truth is synonymous with dark truth, and represented by darkness and the dark side of man. Conrad's thoughts about these truths are alluded to throughout the novel through the use of Marlow's character as a storyteller. Careful inspection of Marlow's words show the reader Conrad's assessment of truth.
             The beginning of Marlow's story impresses upon the reader the disguised lie of the trading company with which he becomes associated. The position which he gains once belonged to a man by the name of Fresleven who died while he was "engaged in the noble cause"(p 72) of enlightening the savages. Marlow's aunt, who aids him in getting the job, sees Marlow as "Something like an emissary of light, something like a lower sort of apostle" because he would soon be " 'weaning those ignorant millions from their horrid ways,'"(p 76). Yet in spite of this, Marlow narrates that the company "was the biggest thing in the town, and everybody [he] met was full of it. They were going to run an over- sea empire, and make no end of coin by trade"(p 73), which happens to be the company's true intent. However, there are people, such as Marlow's aunt and the bricklayer at the Central Station, as well as the Russian at the Inner Station, who maintain that the trading company has good intentions. Intentions that wo...