Setting:
The first setting is on the Thames aboard The Nellie. While the crew waits for the tide to turn, we are transported through story telling to the Belgian Congo. Most of the story takes place in the Belgian Congo when King Leopold controlled the region (1870's-1537s).
Note: Conrad was in the Congo in June of 1890 (Boma to Matadi to Coastal Region to Malebo Pool to Boyoma Falls)

Narrator:
The narrator onboard The Nellie is anonymous; he is listening to Marlow's story.
Marlow acts as the primary storyteller

Pages 29-71:
Part I
Warning signs that surface while Marlow prepares for his trip to the Congo:
the 2 ladies in the Sepulchral City (Brussels)
Captain Fresleven's death (over two black hens)
The anecdote about the Swede who committed suicide by hanging (in the Congo)
The French vessel firing into the jungle

Marlow travels 30 days inland to mouth of Congo River
Visits Company Station where a railway is being built
One Congolese is used to enforce the white imperial rule (30)
Marlow comments that many whites look alike to blacks (just as many blacks look alike to whites) (31)
Disorder of commercial infrastructure--everything in ruin
Introduction of Chief Accountant, an example of "unexpected elegance" in the jungle (32)
Another warning sign: the sick man in the Accountant's office
References to Kurtz
200 mile tramp to Central Station; the land is empty because the Congolese are aware of forced labor
Encounter with white man in unbuttoned uniform; he is responsible for road maintenance; image of dead (murdered) African left in the road (35)

Marlow discovers his steamer is sunk
Marlow meets the Manager of the Central Station, a man who endures because he can resist disease
More about Kurtz, "an exceptional man" 37
A storage shed of goods (beads, cotton, etc.) catches fire; a Congolese is punished for arson
Introduction of First class agent (beard and hooked nose); he pumps Marlow for information about Marlow's connections in Europe
We discover Kurtz is an artist (40)
Moment of Marlow's introspection: "What was in there?" 42
Discussion of rivets needed for the steamer to make repairs 44
New episode with the Eldorado Exploring Expedition
Marlow wonders what Kurtz will make of himself (46)

Part II
Kurtz is influential with the European Council [on Commerce]; the Manager and the Uncle discuss Kurtz's dealings 47
Kurtz had initially undertaken a journey to deliver ivory, but returns to the heart of darkness (47)
Territory disputes arise over the harvesting of ivory
Interruption of narration aboard The Nellie 50; Conrad makes sure we know that a story is being told by Marlow, not by him.
Drums--perhaps like the bells of Christian churches 51
Marlow's thoughts about the temptation to go native 52
Marlow's recognition that the Congolese are "superstitious" about modern machinery 52
Rumors of an interloper in Kurtz's territory 54
The natives' attack of the steamer and the characterization of the cannibals 56-57
Marlow realizes the attack is really a repulse, one out of fear 59
The pilgrims fire into the bush 61
Another interruption of the narrative 63
Darkness claims Kurtz 65
Marlow addresses his audience on 65 about how neighbors offer a check to our impulses
Kurtz is 1/4 English and 1/4 French (probably German or Belgian as well)
Kurtz's report to the International Society for the Suppression of Savage Customs 66
Marlow is the caretaker of Kurtz's memory
Introduction of Russian

Study Questions:
Explain the difference between the anonymous narrator, Marlow, and Conrad.
What is the difference between conquest and colonization according to Marlow?
Why is the chief accountant impressive?
How is the text modernist? That is to say, how does Conrad upset convention?
What does it mean to enter "the heart of darkness"?
How does Conrad create suspense? Be specific.
Who is Kurtz? How has he been corrupted and how do we know?

See also the questions on Professor Boyer's website:
http://english.sxu.edu/boyer/207_materials/hd_bed_qst.htm