Heart of Darkness: page 429 #2

Marlow begins his tale of a journey to the heart of darkness with an account of London in "very old times, when the Romans first came here" because the Roman invasion was similar to that of English colonization to Africa.  Romans brought with them the life styles they already obtained, including food, housing, technology and culture, and upon English colonization to Africa, the situation was similar.  Moreover, the older English days are portrayed as uncivilized and barbaric and Marlow expressed that when "entering the darkness", the colonizers should be prepared to face savagery and hardship.  In conclusion, Marlow might introduce Africa as he does to instill a certain feeling toward to country he will soon travel in, thus, giving the reader a better understanding of his hardships to come.