We began our study of this enigmatic novel by first noting similarities between the novel's narrative structure and the narrative structure of "Rime of the Ancient Mariner." Nina astutely pointed out that the novel is saturated with imagery and from this comment I explained the relationship between imagery and symbolism . We studied the opening pages in detail examining the difference between the frame narrator and Marlowe, the actual teller of the underlying story , both in attitude and physical traits. I addressed why the underlying story is addressed to the narrator, an accountant ,a lawyer, and corporate director who due to their elevated social status and wealth remain insulated from the truth of Man's nature that Marlowe's story will reveal. We then addressed the novel's open criticism of Colonialism and compared the frame narrator's naiveté to Marlowe's despairing view of Colonial enterprises. We further discussed the racism inherent in the sententious justifications for exploitation . In that regard, we analyzed the author 's reference to this justification as a "great idea" that European powers "bow to" . We critically further noted how Marlowe explains that England too was once considered "savage" by its Roman conquerers thereby drawing an analogy between the conquest of England and the conquest of Africa by Western powers.