“The disconnect between name and identity is a key theme in the novella, as Marlow attempts to use labels to divine the essence of each person he meets. Each kind of label attempted, however, proves inadequate in describing its subject. Names, far from dispelling the haze, more often add to it; and Marlow is confronted with the seeming impossibility of establishing a meaningful connection between names and the concepts they represent.

Names, far from dispelling the haze, more often add to it; and Marlow is confronted with the seeming impossibility of establishing a meaningful connection between names and the concepts they represent. Conrad uses Marlow’s struggle with labels, however, to suggest a different approach to naming that can be meaningful – one that does not attempt to capture an essence but rather the impression left by it."

-Sarah Ropp