How long is "Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad?

Joseph Conrad's renowned novella Heart of Darkness is considered a short novel or extended narrative. First published as a serial story in 1899 before released as a complete book, Heart of Darkness contains approximately 72 pages in its full form. Given its complex themes and vivid prose, it packs a powerful narrative punch despite its concise length. Examining the novella's structure and word count provides fuller perspective on Conrad's impactful storytelling.

The Three-Part Structure of "Heart of Darkness"

Heart of Darkness is divided into 3 sections told principally from the first-person perspective of protagonist Charlie Marlow. The beginning and ending sections are set on a ship anchored in the Thames River, while the main middle section recounts Marlow's disturbing voyage down the Congo River in Africa.

The Economy of Words in Conrad's Writing

The full text of Heart of Darkness contains around 28,000 words. Conrad's economic writing style expertly builds suspense and haunting atmosphere within this compact word count. He accomplishes an epic journey tale on both literal and symbolic levels while remaining under 30,000 words.

The Novella-Length Form of "Heart of Darkness"

For reference, novella length typically ranges between 20,000 to 50,000 words. So at approximately 28,000 words, Conrad's Heart of Darkness falls squarely in the center of what defines a novella - longer than a short story but more concise than a full novel. Conrad's efficiently crafted narrative matches the form well.

Conclusion

In summary, Joseph Conrad's enduring literary masterpiece Heart of Darkness constitutes a short novel or novella of around 72 pages and 28,000 words divided into 3 central sections. Conrad's vivid storytelling distills complex moral themes into an impactful tale both expansive in meaning yet efficient in length.