We used TACT computer software to teach Joseph Conrad's novel Heart of Darkness to BA (Hops) students at the University of Luton in England. Conrad's novel is one of the texts used in the ‘Language and New Literatures’ modules (units). In these modules we combine analytical approaches to literary texts with linguistic methods. We used TACT to reinforce the understanding of the text of Heart of Darkness achieved through such a combination of methods. An exposure to the computer-based approaches to the text described in this article made the students' interaction with the text a more complex and rewarding experience.