psychological significance of journey

Upon entering the Heart of Darkness, Marlow is overwhelmed with what he sees. It is a complete paradigm shift from his perspectives at home. He's taken back to the past to man kinds raw form, and he sees for the first time the true wilderness. Marlow's first hand experience is one of adventure, journeying deeper into the unknown. As he discovers more about africa, he also discovers more about the nature of man. By taking away all material necessities from england, Marlow gains greater insight into his self being, as well as understands the truth behind "carrying the torch" and civilizing the savages of the land.