Marlow is a character of respect and mystification for his crewmates—both in the beginning and the end “he had the pose of a Buddha preaching.” He is not been corrupted by the forces of darkness that colonial greed and imperialistic pride had brought to the Congo, but he recognizes the possibility of corruption after witnessing the destruction of all “pilgrims” who entered the system of greed and glory. Yet for all he says “I hate, detest, and can’t bear a lie,” he would go so far as to lie twice for the truly unknowable Kurtz.
Kurtz is one whose
character is also mystified by the varying opinions the reader hears through
Marlow. The manager finds him “unsound”
and dangerous to his expedition’s success; he highlights the continual need of
increasing power that imperialism created.
The Russian reveres him, nursing him to health and defending his name in
the glory of Kurtz’s success over the natives; this man represents the
blindness of outsiders who believed colonization would lead to the betterment
of the wilderness.
Marlow’s loyalty
to him during the voyage out of the Congo and in relating the story (loyalty of
the basest sort for Marlow did fear Kurtz’s corruption and darkness of soul) came
from both men fearing man’s mortality. Kurtz
wished to have recognition and conquer the powers of danger in an unknown land.
He returned deeper into the Congo to escape
the death of his power and his weakness in disease. Marlow meanwhile hates a lie, hates corruption
because he feels “there is a taint of death, a flavor of mortality in lies” something
that Marlow is always wanting to forget.
Emily, you seem to capture the "mystification" of both men in your response, suggesting they are both multi-faceted characters. I agree that Marlow seems to toe the line of "corruption" throughout the book, maintaining his part of morality while also sinking into the darkness of "lies" and distrust. It seems he is even somewhat hypocritical in his beliefs as he tries to separate himself from the corruption of his counterparts while still undeniably playing a role in the murky affair. Kurtz, as you said, is also overcome by the encompassing darkness of the situation. He is a highly "mystic" character, one who is defined more by the hovering allure of his reputation than his direct characterization. It is interesting how you mention the connection of mortality between both men. Perhaps this lurking image of death is the root of the darkness all around, encompassing the ruin of life, land, and men's souls.
ReplyDeleteEmily, your explanation of the characters in your prompt response was spot on, and I honestly couldn't have worded it any better. I like how you mentioned Marlow's fear of Kurtz because it seems as though everyone else has been avoiding that including myself, I felt as though I didn't have enough knowledge to back it up but you worded it perfectly. I also like how you explained both characters through their mystification. I didn't think to label them this way. Kurtz is indeed overcome by the encompassing darkness of the situation, and Marlow is in fact the "corruption" throughout the book. Well done.
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