Abstract: HEART OF DARKNESS is a most renowned novella by Joseph Conrad. Scholars have discussed in depth one issue, namely, whether it celebrates imperialism or criticizes colonialism through its major character. However, they have not arrived any agreement. This paper, notwithstanding, argues that the contradictions and uncertainties in the text function efficiently through the Manichean allegories. Through dialectical Manichean reading and the participation of the reader, HEART OF DARKNESS proves more vigorous, complex and meaningful.