Here's why:
* Focus on the Subjective: The novel delves into the complex and often unreliable inner world of its characters, particularly Marlow, the narrator. It emphasizes the subjective experience of reality and the difficulties of understanding truth.
* Exploration of the Dark Side of Humanity: "Heart of Darkness" confronts the brutal and disturbing aspects of colonialism, imperialism, and human nature. It exposes the hypocrisy and moral ambiguity of these forces.
* Fragmentation and Nonlinear Narrative: The narrative structure is unconventional, often moving back and forth in time and perspective. This fragmentation reflects the fragmented nature of the human psyche and the complexities of the story's themes.
* Use of Symbolism and Ambiguity: The novel is rich in symbolism and open to multiple interpretations. Key elements like the Congo River, the "heart of darkness," and the character of Kurtz carry layers of meaning.
While "Heart of Darkness" shares elements with other genres like Gothic literature, psychological realism, and adventure fiction, its core characteristics align most strongly with Modernist literature.