Marlow's initial impression of Africa is a cultural shock and uncertainty of how these observations should be interpreted. Having been raised in late 1800s Europe, Marlow is indoctrinated to possess racist ideals. His description of the natives are barbaric and savage, viewing them more as animals than humans. Contrastingly, even though he is accustomed to living among white people, Marlow emphasizes the white men's intelligence and how technologically advanced they are.
It is difficult for Marlow to chronicle his jarring experience, comparing it to attempting to explain a dream,“It seems to me I am trying to tell you a dream--making a vain attempt, because no relation of a dream can convey the dream-sensation[...] No, it is impossible; it is impossible to convey the life-sensation of any given epoch of one's existence."(42). Marlow finds it impossible to properly characterize his encounters because it was so personal and profound. He goes on to state that everyone "dreams alone". This ambiguity of Marlow's perspective adds another aspect from which the story can be interpreted. As the reader, it may be necessary to question Marlow and his judgment as it is manipulated by his upbringing beliefs and supposed inability to properly interpret what he witnesses.
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