Final answer:
The major conflict in 'Heart of Darkness' is Man vs. Himself, as Marlow deals with the moral dilemmas of imperialism and racism. There are also elements of Man vs. Society and Man vs. Nature, and the novel's critical stance on Belgian colonialism is complicated by its own portrayal of Africans.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major conflict in Joseph Conrad's novel Heart of Darkness centers on Man vs. Himself, as the protagonist Marlow experiences an internal struggle with the darkness within human nature and the ethical dilemmas of imperialism and racism. This conflict is intertwined with elements of Man vs. Society and Man vs. Nature, as Marlow also grapples with the societal norms of European colonization and the harsh, unforgiving Congo landscape. The novel critiques Belgian colonialism in the Congo, highlighting the dehumanization of Africans and the corruption of European capitalism. The portrayal of African characters and their interaction with European characters, as well as Marlow's own journey, bring forth the internal and societal conflicts that question humanity and moral ambiguity.
Postcolonial critics like Chinua Achebe have critiqued the novel's perpetuation of racism and Eurocentrism, despite its critique of colonial practices. Achebe's commentary deepens the understanding of the complexities within Conrad's work, particularly how the portrayal of the African continent and its people can contribute to their dehumanization. The central conflict reflects the larger issues of the time, including the intense debate and eventual reform action taken against the brutal exploitation of the Congo by European powers.