River. As the crew waits for the tide, Marlow reflects on the historical significance of the river and the dark places it once connected to. He begins to share his own experiences in Africa, including his fascination with maps and the unexplored territories they represent. The narrative introduces Marlow as an outsider, a seaman whose reflections on civilization and the inherent darkness of humanity foreshadow the harrowing stories of colonialism, brutality, and emptiness he is about to recount. Through vivid imagery and philosophical musings, the opening establishes a thought-provoking tone that invites readers to contemplate the complexities of imperialism and the psychological depths of man. (This is an automatically generated summary.)