What provokes the blind loyalty of the Russian man?

In chapter two of The Heart of Darkness, we are introduced to a character who challenges the cruel and warlike nature of the others with his desire for peace. He represents the light in the midst of the darkness of the novel. How could someone remain so collected in such a destructive environment? It could possibly stem from the way he worships Kurtz in the same way that some of the native Africans do as was revealed to us in chapter two. He has been considered a disciple of Mr. Kurtz with an unwavering admiration for him. Like the majority of the characters in this novel, he does not have a name but has been identified with the persona of a harlequin. A harlequin is characterized as a type of multi-colored jester who entertains and remains silent in the presence of his master. What does the Russian man owe to Kurtz that he glorifies and justifies his intentions in the Congo, completely ignoring all of the true evil actions?

It is the blind loyalty of the harlequin and the belief that Kurtz has “enlarged his mind” that keeps him so optimistic about life in the obscurity of the Congo. He knows everything that there is to know about Kurtz, and Marlow uses it as an opportunity to pull information out of him. He doesn’t realize it yet, but it appears as though he is almost betraying Kurtz by giving away the details the life of the man he highly admires. What does this mean for the harlequin if he is essentially being unfaithful to his master? How will this affect his character and attitude in the novel if he is loses his incentive for remaining so hopeful about living? It could completely demoralize him just as it has all of the other characters that are easily shaken by the horrific nature of everything the Europeans come into contact with. The Russian man will be blindly loyal until coming to the realization of the true actions of the “sovereign” man he worships.

- Valentina Mejia