The inauguration of the modernist writings occurred towards the end of the 19th century and dominated the beginning of the 20th century. The most intense activity occurred during a 8 year spell from 1914-1922. The social and political mayhem that was so predominate in this era had a profound influence on the art and writings during this time. The main idea behind modernism can be closely linked to the departure of traditional concepts of poetry and literature. The modernist poets and scholars were aware of the different world that they were now living in and wanted to reflect these new changes in their works. The concept of distinctiveness and uniqueness was now something that was admired by people rather than ridiculed. A feature that was prevalent in modernist literature was the themes of alienation and oppression of its characters. In this essay I will focus on “Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad and Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs Dalloway” and will highlight these features in them. “Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad proved to be an inspiration for great future modernist writers such as Elliott and Joyce. The feature that dominates its storyline is that of oppression and alienation of its main characters. These characters that are the focus of this attention are called Marlow and Mr Kurtz. Their importance is highlighted throughout the story as they are the only ones given human names. The other human figures that exist in the novel are dismissed and merely given either