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Heart of Darkness Time Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

"I had to wait in the station for ten days – an eternity." (1.45)

Marlow hates delay and wants to get started as soon as possible on his journey into the heart of Africa. He is impatient. This is interesting, given that the Nellie is itself delayed while he tells his story.

Quote #5

"I asked myself what I was to do there, now my boat was lost. As a matter of fact, I had plenty to do in fishing my command out of the river. I had to set about it the very next day. That, and the repairs when I brought the pieces to the station, took some months." (1.51)

Marlow is so intent on making his journey that he loses no time in beginning repairs on the steamboat. However, the damage is done and he must delay his trip yet again.

Quote #6

"Oh, these months!" (1.55)

Conrad uses these delays to increase the sense of suspense and give Marlow (and the readers) more time to grow curious about Kurtz.