Mr. Kurtz: Character Analysis

          Mr. Kurtz is by far the most prominent character in the ‘Heart of Darkness’. Aside from being the main force which drives the stories plot, his character is glamorized not only in the eyes of the Natives, but also in the eyes of Marlow. You can see notable examples of this through similar texts, such as the novel ‘The Great Gatsby’. Like Marlow, Nick Carraway also serves as the narrator, but both characters are cleverly used by the authors, as tools serving as the eyes of the reader, while Kurtz, and Gatsby serve as the leading characters of the book.

          One thing I found interesting was the way Marlow reacted when he first saw him. After much anticipation, the reader is let down through Marlow’s tone, when he provides his description of Kurtz’ character. Marlow’s reaction, and thinking is justified however, when his encounter with the manager is compared, to his encounter with Kurtz. When he meets the manager Marlow is astounded by his appearance. This is due to the managers ability to keep a healthy, and clean appearance, under such an extreme and dangerous setting in Africa.  When he meets Mr. Kurtz however, Marlow is taken back by his sickly features. Aside from this, Kurtz still holds a more powerful and central role, in the transportation off Ivory, and assuming control over the Natives. Marlow also begins to criticize Kurtz’ decision in exploiting the Natives, shifting his respect towards Kurtz, into accusations of inhumanity.

          Many argue that his final line ‘The horror! The horror!’ can symbolize his final judgement of humanity, as well as what resides in the Heart of Darkness. But to me the line ultimately highlights his fear of letting go of power, and turning to modern civilization, which is made up of hypocrisy. An utter fact, which even Marlow realizes towards the end of the novel: "They were intruders whose knowledge of life was to me an irritating pretence, because I felt so sure they could not possibly know the things I knew. Their bearing, which was simply the bearing of commonplace individuals going about their business in the assurance of perfect safety, was offensive to me like the outrageous flauntings of folly in the face of a danger it is unable to comprehend. I had no particular desire to enlighten them, but I had some difficulty in restraining myself from laughing in their faces so full of stupid importance."