Heart of Darkness, Question # 2

Marlow describes London in "very old times, when the Romans first came here" to compare the mysteries and potential discoveries that are also left to be found in Africa. He is claiming that England, too, used to be a disgusting, dirty, and poor place, but with Roman's power, it became a beautiful and organized place to live. Marlow keeps his views optimistic by convincing himself and the reader that maybe there is some good that is undiscovered in Africa. He believes that in the heart of darkness, there is also a potential good and beauty.