Joseph Conrad's Heart Of Darkness

Turn-of-the-Century Literature Unit Test, Part 2

Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness is a complex novel which alludes to the evils of the human condition. Through the eyes of the narrator, Marlow we are able to observe early European imperialism in central Africa. The secondary protagonist in the novel, Kurtz, is a European idealist who is left indefinitely traumatized by his presence in the Congo. As the reader follows Marlow’s journey to the “heart of darkness” we learn more and more about the secondary protagonist. His ideas are drastically changed as before meeting Kurtz- Marlow romanticized his life. When he finally meets him, he learns that Kurtz is not what others claimed. Through literary elements such as paradoxes and diction, the reader

can conclude why the narrator has such ambivalent feeling about Kurtz.
The novel’s prominent thread is highlighted through paradoxes, the paradox of detachment in the face of crimes against humanity is especially seen through Marlow's relationship with Kurtz. Not long after beginning his journey does Marlow first hear of Kurtz. Kurtz is a mysterious figure, Marlow learns that he is a prominent figure in the Company and he is utterly devoted to providing them with ivory supplies. Marlow becomes increasingly fascinated with the man as he hears many stories pertaining to him. Marlow initially thinks of him as an anomaly, he believes unlike other members of the Company he is not driven by profit. In the end, this idea is proved to be incorrect. After meeting Kurtz, he realizes the effect that power has on the individual as he observes Kurtz has been driven to madness. Even after learning the atrocities he has committed- he remains ambivalent. He justifies his actions by attributing them to being immersed in African culture. Instead of holding Kurtz accountable for his hostilities he suggests that his actions were due to the fact that he turned his back to “European ideals.” As he narrates Kurtz’s death the reader is able to conclude his true feelings pertaining to the well-known imperialist. As Kurtz dies the paradox of detachment is especially apparent. Phrases such as his "magnificent folds of eloquence" suggests that Marlow still inwardly holds respect for Kurtz despite being aware of his despicable nature seen through the "barren darkness of his heart.” He describes his “obsequiously round his inextinguishable gift of noble and lofty expression” alluding to his internal appreciation of Kurtz as he continues to praise him for his poise and compelling personality. This can be seen as evidence for the paradox of detachment in the face of crimes against humanity as he is able to look past his horrible actions. His connection to Kurtz continues throughout the entire novel, even though his romanticized idea changes over time, he still remains ambivalent.
Additionally, strong diction is employed when conveying the narrator's feelings towards Kurtz.

In the beginning, Marlow is intrigued by the mystery of him. He frequently eavesdrops and takes note of what others disclose. When given any free time, such as when waiting for rivets to construct his ship, he thinks about Kurtz. Finally after meeting him and getting to know him his feelings change drastically. As Kurtz passes away the reader is able to observe Marlow’s underlying feelings. He explains Kurtz’s shallow nature explaining “My Intended, my station, my career, my ideas—these were the subjects for the occasional utterances of elevated sentiments.” This quote exemplifies strong diction- the repetition of words such as “my” capture the extent of how egotistical he was. Marlow conveys the impertinence of “wealth and fame” as the delusional dying man reflects on his previous judgments. On the other hand, diction such as “the shade of the original Kurtz” gives the image of the man that Kurtz once was creating the sense that Marlow is honoring Kurtz, a stark contrast to the reaction one would expect in light of Kurtz's actions. After his death, Marlow is left in control of maintaining Kurtz’s honor. Instead of telling others Kurtz’s satirized idea of "the noble cause" and "the cause of progress" which he used to justify killing, Marlow chooses to maintain his

reputation.
In conclusion, Conrad’s novel Heart of Darkness portrays the narrator's journey in which he is forced to grapple with his equivocal feelings towards Kurtz, the epitome of the effects of imperialism and greed on the individual. Despite acknowledging the crimes and enormity he had committed, Marlow is able to justify his actions by attributing them to being immersed in African culture. Seen through strong contrasting diction, Marlow struggles to maintain his feelings of connection towards Kurtz, but ultimately he chooses to maintain his honor after his death. This, in turn, demonstrates the paradox of detachment in the face of crimes against humanity. detachment in the face of crimes