The horror! The horror!
Reflects the protagonist's realization of mankind’s capacity for evil.
Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" features this exclamation as a pivotal moment when the protagonist, Marlow, confronts the darkest depths of human nature through Kurtz's experiences in the African Congo. The line expresses the profound impact of colonial exploitation and the resulting moral and psychological decay. It captures the essential despair and disillusionment that characterize the novella, highlighting themes of imperialism, racism, and moral ambiguity. Its haunting repetition in the climax underscores the pervasive corruption and the tragic realization of humanity's inherent darkness.
Example Sentences
Joseph Conrad
Heart of Darkness
The line encapsulates the protagonist's despair in facing human depravity, first published in 1899 by Blackwood's Magazine.