Heart Of Darkness

Each person has a different definition of what the term ‘remarkable’ means; each unique definition, holds a significant link to the other. This link is that the term is always given to a person that holds certain characteristics that are superior to the average individual. The set of characteristics that are observed tend to subscribe to the specific set of values of the person issuing the remark. Marlow, the main character in Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness is able to assert that Mr. Kurtz was a remarkable man.

This is true because of the unique values that Marlow possesses, which allow him to assert Mr. Kurtz as a remarkable individual. Through the actions and words of Mr. Kurtz, and other individuals Marlow encounters, Marlow is able to gain an overall perception of how characteristics of Mr. Kurtz deem him remarkable. Through the development of the narrative, Marlow establishes that Mr.

Kurtz does not want to return to society, he does not want to return to the world were people judge one another based on social issues. “Kurtz had apparently intended to return himself, the station being by that time bare of goods and stores, but after coming three hundred miles, had suddenly decided to go back, which he started to do alone in a small dugout with four paddlers, leaving the half-caste to continue down the river with the ivory.” (Conrad Pg. 52) Instead Kurtz returns to the wilderness and is able to judge himself. “I went no more near the remarkable man who had pronounced a judgement upon the adventures of his soul upon the earth.” (Conrad Pg. 118) Marlow looks upon these two actions as remarkable feat. Kurtz, through Marlow’s eyes was able to pronounce a judgement based upon his own actions rather than having society dictate them to him.

Marlow realizes that in order for Kurtz to pass judgement on himself, Kurtz must have been courageous, a value that Marlow lacked. “I was within a hair’s breadth of the opportunity for pronouncement, and I found with humiliation that probably I would have nothing to say.” (Conrad Pg. 119) Marlow clearly illustrates that on his own deathbed he would not be able to express his own judgement, despite the opportunity to speak, he would just hide like a coward. Thus Marlow is able to pronounce that Kurtz is a remarkable individual because he has a value, courage, that Marlow and many other individuals do not posses.