Through negative portrayal in both characters, Conrad depicts Kurtz’s Intended and African mistress, while further accentuating women’s subservience to men. Unsurprisingly, both Kurtz and Marlow believe that since women live in a separate world, they are somewhat obligated to protect them from reality. This idea allowed Marlow’s lie to the Intended when he told her Kurtz’s last words were her name to be justified. The Intended was so fixed on her idealistic views, she truly believed nothing could happen to Kurtz on his expedition. Yet, Kurtz was aware of his and loved her even stating, “My Intended, my ivory, my station, my river, my-everything belonged to him".  He also stated, "...she had a beautiful expression...sunlight can be made to lie too, yet one felt that no manipulation of light and pose could have conveyed the delicate shade of truthfulness upon those features,” meaning the Intended is a strong figure, undisturbed by reality.  The mistress, on the other hand, is detailed using words such as “savage” and “superb”. She was revered for her materialistic image and outward appearance; attributes that could not contribute to a sustainable relationship. It is evident from the text that Kurtz has a stronger connection to the Intended than to the mistress.