Heart of Darkness | Part Summaries

Timeline of Events

• 1899

  Aboard the Nellie on the Thames River, Marlow tells of his time in Africa.

  Part 1 (Framing the Story)
• Some years before

  Marlow goes to city to get a steamer-pilot job in Africa.

  Part 1 (Marlow Seeks a Position)
• Some time later

  Marlow travels to the outer station, where he hears about Kurtz.

  Part 1 (Journey to the Outer Station)
• Ten days later

  Marlow and 60 men march 200 miles (320 kilometers) to the Company's Central Station.

  Part 1 (At the Central Station)
• Three months later

  Marlow pilots the repaired steamer upriver.

  Part 2 (Traveling up the River)
• Two months later

  The steamer arrives at the Inner Station.

  Part 2 (At the Inner Station)
• Some time later

  Marlow begins the return trip downriver, during which Kurtz dies.

  Part 3 (Return Downriver and Kurtz's Death)
• Some time later

  Marlow returns to Brussels with Kurtz's papers and talks of Kurtz with three people.

  Part 3 (Return to Brussels)
• Some time later

  Marlow returns to Brussels with Kurtz's papers and visits Kurtz's fiancée.

  Part 3 (Meeting Kurtz's Intended)
• 1899

  Aboard the Nellie Marlow finishes the story of his time in Africa.

  Part 3 (Completing the Frame)

Part Summaries Chart