When you hear about the Victorian era, what comes to mind? One of your first thoughts is probably of Queen Victoria herself, one of the longest-ruling monarchs in English history. You might also think about the architecture and houses that became popular around this time. You might believe, like many, that the Victorian era was one of progress and improvement. It's true. Many advances were made during the Victorian era. For example, between 1809 and 1839, exports increased from £25.4 million to £76 million. Britain also made advances in communications, using steamships, railways and the electric telegraph. James Watt and Matthew Boulton improved major British industries by using steam power in coal mining. The first and second Reform Acts allowed all men in the country to vote, which eventually led to women voting in 1918. The first illustrated weekly newspaper was founded in 1842, allowing the working class to stay informed about the news. The list of improvements that occurred during the Victorian era is long. Despite the progress of the British economy, people's souls have not been improved in the same way. Although the Victorian era was a time of progress, it also included much evil and cruelty. Victorian weaknesses were particularly noted by Joseph Conrad, who lived during this era. He knew from direct experience the evils of colonialism and racism. He was able to see the emptiness of civilization in the world and he considered this emptiness a great evil. This became the theme of his book, Heart of Darkness. Conrad demonstrated the emptiness of man in his characters' descriptions, actions, and thoughts. Character descriptions are important to readers. A reader must understand what the characters like and hate... middle of paper ... appearances and how to gain as much wealth as possible. Meanwhile, they hide a dark and hollow soul. But “what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul”? Conrad was right to draw attention to this gap, but he was unable to remedy the problem. In Christ this remedy is given to us. The only way to fill the void in us is to let Christ fill us with Himself. Only then can a hollow soul live a fulfilling life.Works Cited1. LitCharts Publishers. “LitChart on Heart of Darkness.” LitCharts.com. LitCharts LLC. 2014. Internet. March 9, 2014.2. Conrad, Joseph. “Heart of Darkness.” Oxford University Press, New York. 2008.3. “King James Study Bible.” Thomas Nelson, Inc. Liberty University. 1988.4. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/victorians/victorian_technology_01.shtml5. http://listsoplenty.com/blog/?p=12243