A rather subtle similarity between the two is that they are both explicitly compared to gods, but the gods they are compared to could not be more different. Marlow is shown as the god of Buddhism, "Marlow ceased, and sat apart, indistinct and silent, in the pose of a meditating Buddha." This comes in complete contrast to Kurtz who is given the role of Jupiter, "Some of the pilgrims behind the stretcher carried his arms, two shot-guns, a heavy rifle, and a light revolver-carbine- the thunderbolts of the pitiful Jupiter." This comparison between the two characters and their particular gods allows Conrad to show their status and personal arrogance above both the civilized and uncivilized characters, while at the same time revealing their two completely different roles and personalities.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Prompt 4
The Heart of Darkness follows the white, upper-class, European, male, Charlie Marlow and his journey into Africa to find the white, upper-class, European, male, Kurtz. Since the story is told through Marlow, the reader is frequently exposed to Marlow and his particular traits; however, Kurtz remains mostly a mystery throughout the story, revealing few details on his character. Even though the audience knows very little about Kurtz compared to Marlow, subtle but significant similarities begin to appear. The primary personality trait that the two characters share is that of obsession: Marlow with the jungle and Kurtz, Kurts with power and ivory.
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I find it to be an interesting point comparing Marlow and Kurtz to Buddha and Jupiter, respectively. This becomes even more interesting given what happens to the characters while they are in Africa. Marlow goes there with a sense of adventure, and ends up with a sort of spiritual awakening while in the jungle there. This could be connected to the state of enlightenment that Buddha attains. The second part, the part that involves Kurtz, is equally as interesting and interconnected with the myth of the god he is related to. Jupiter was quite indulgent as the head god; he possessed more power than any other god and was quite lustful in general. This can be related to Kurtz’ power he had over the natives and how he had a mistress in Africa though he had his Intended back in the civilized world.
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