Heart Of Darkness

8 Pages 2068 Words

he savage drum with the beating of his own heart.

KURTZ
We learn less about Kurtz from observation than what we do from what the other characters say about him. So I believe Conrad is trying to show us that Kurtz is more important for what he represents more than for what he actually does. He’s more present in the effect that he has on the other characters. EXAMPLE: Russian and the Intended are defined almost solely by their relationship to him. I also think that Kurtz himself is a microcosm (whole in a miniature) of the white man’s failure in Africa. He goes to Africa equipped with all this technology and ends up injuring and killing the Africans. He reduces technology to the guns he uses to steal ivory. Kurtz also shows us what damage of inadequate self knowledge can do. He goes to Africa with good intentions completely unaware of the dark side of his nature..this is the side that will respond to the call of the primitive.

If Marlow stands for work, then Kurtz stands for the opposite value -TALK. Before meeting him, Marlow can imagine him only talking not doing. When Marlow finally comes face to face with him, Kurtz is extremely sick. His influence on people comes through his eloquent words. Kurtz is associated with lies and his ideals turn o...