Stereotypical Civilization West Europeans should not judge Africans by West European standards. In Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, the main character, Charles Marlow is an explorer from the western world. Marlow tells his story of going to Africa, and he makes it clear that he went expecting completely inhumane and violent natives. He later reveals that they showed restraint and that he respects this. As Marlow gets to know a few of the natives, he learns that his preconceptions belittled a race that not only demonstrates restraint, but is also treated poorly. His preconception of the natives being "savages" is a perfect example of western stereotypes and prejudices. Marlow