Imperialism, symbolism and materialism in Heart of Darkness In Heart of Darkness by Conrad Marlow, the main character, symbolizes the positivity of imperialism. Marlow, as a character, realizes the harm caused by negative imperialism and decides that it is not really necessary. When Marlow states, “I had the heavenly mission to civilize you,” he expresses his good intentions to help Africans progress and advance. Furthermore, when he says, “I have been an impostor,” Marlow acknowledges the fact that he is an invader in a foreign land, but remains true to his moral values. Marlow observes many types of abuse of power by other whites, simply because they have better weapons of war. When the manager severely beats a young black boy over the burning shed, Marlow disapproves. However, when he sees abuse and unfair treatment he does not physically try to stop it. Instead, he just turns away and accepts that this is happening. This is one of Marlow's flaws, he doesn't stand up for his beliefs. Marlow also symbolizes the uncorrupted men who traveled to foreign lands to help the "uncivilized" become cultured, but unlike the others Marlow is not indoctrinated with an alternative motive. He is able to see through the materialistic ideals that had plagued men before him. Marlow has the open-mindedness and sensitivity that was absent during imperialism, but he does not have the courage or power to stop the abuses that were ongoing. Marlow is proof that, when confronted, a man's evil side can be both informative and dangerous. The manager is the epitome of the negative effects of the institution of imperialism. He is corrupt, indifferent, arrogant and self-centered. It symbolizes the arrogance of the Europeans when they encountered the native Africans. His good health symbolizes the timelessness of the Europeans who invaded Africa and their ability to continually come to Africa and rape it of its natural resources. It is the true symbol of the wickedness and coldness of the imperialists. The manager was the example of a consolidated imperialist power. He has settled in well, as demonstrated by the fact that he controls all the stations. An example of his power over others was when he had the black boy beaten for a shed fire. Furthermore, he is expansionist and wishes to destroy Kurtz and gain a monopoly on the ivory trade. The manager's argument with his uncle is yet another example of his ruthlessness and amorality.