Conrad makes a clear contrast between Marlow and Kurtz character at the end of the novella. Marlow is able to suppress his true evil self while Kurtz succumbs to it in the position at the inner station. Though Marlow is able to surpass his final step into his own heart of darkness, he isn't exactly the most likable character. He constantly lies and ultimately leads his crew in a dangerous journey all for his own curiosity and questions. Even when his right hand man dies he chooses to continue on the journey while only worrying about cleansing himself of the man's blood rather than showing some rationality after his death.
Through Kurtz death and last words Marlow is able to come to the realization that Kurtz heart of darkness is what ultimately led to his own death. The inner station is a place isolated from society, the perfect place for finding one's true heart of darkness yet Marlow is able to travel back to Brussels. Why does Conrad choose to allow Marlow to return back to his home rather than face his own heart of darkness ? Even after Marlow has witnessed the reality of the companies plans of imperialism he is able travel back to his original starting point.
- Alicia Cornejo
Marlow's heart of darkness lied in his selfishness. Though it contrasted with the selfish greed for power and money seen in the other employees of the company, Marlow was willing to kill a boatload of people to have one talk with Kurtz. His selfishness and persistence was ultimately what brought him to Kurtz and when he found the answer to his question, "Was it possible for the Europeans to civilize the Africans in a moral way (obviously, it was not possible at the end)?, Marlow's heart of darkness was fulfilled in the end.
ReplyDelete-Rachel Robutti
I also believe that all of Marlow's actions had an underlying connection to selfishness and his egotistic nature. In this case, his narcissism was not his downfall but his success. He ignored immorality and continued with his pursuit in what would benefit himself. Marlow revealed his true heart of darkness.
ReplyDelete- Valentina Mejia
Marlow's heart of darkness is greed. Wanting the position and power of becoming manager. In the book, Marlow traveled so far and even killed someone to get what he wanted. But when it turned out the position was gone, he simply left.
ReplyDelete-Samantha Pubien
I feel like Marlow's heart of darkness, is his view of the African people and how little value he placed to them. As some of you have mentioned, he is indeed selfish. He had his eyes set on the prize and was not willing to compromise his position or job.
ReplyDelete-T'Nia Tention
I think in addition to his selfishness, Marlow's heart of darkness lies also within his laziness. I say this because in the beginning of the story he talks to us about how when he found out the worker died, he wanted that position but he didn't want to work for it, so he had his aunt get the job for him.
ReplyDelete-Destiny Quinones
Marlow is truly selfish and was too involved in getting what he wanted and not thinking of anyone else, also with his laziness it got the best of him. He became so selfish to the extent of murder. -Rebecca Jones
ReplyDelete