Both works argue that civilization provides the "restraint" needed to keep inner darkness at bay; without it, as seen with Kurtz, the human psyche can fracture.
Upon arriving in Africa, Marlow witnesses the "absurdity of evil"—native laborers in chains and a man trying to carry water in a bucket with a hole in it. Here, he first hears the name Kurtz , a legendary agent rumored to be a "prodigy" of humanity, yet deeply entrenched in the ivory trade. 7. Hearts of Darkness (1)
Marlow is a "frame narrator," meaning we hear his story second-hand, emphasizing that truth is often obscured by personal perspective and the "fascination of the abomination". Heart of Darkness Part 1, Section 1 Summary & Analysis Both works argue that civilization provides the "restraint"