Heart of Darkness: Character Analysis

Marlow

Overview

Key Plot Moments

• Journey to the Congo
  • Marlow secures a job with the Company and travels to Africa, where he is to captain a steamship.
• Arrival at the Central Station
  • Marlow discovers the inefficiency and moral decay of the Company. He learns his steamship has sunk and spends months repairing it.
• Meeting Kurtz
  • Marlow finally meets Kurtz, who is gravely ill. He observes Kurtz's profound impact on the natives and the depths of his moral corruption.
• Kurtz's Last Words
  • As Kurtz dies, he utters the famous words, "The horror! The horror!" reflecting his realization of the darkness in himself and humanity.
• Return to Europe
  • Marlow returns to Europe, where he meets Kurtz's fiancée and chooses to lie to her about Kurtz's final moments to preserve her idealistic image of him.

Key Themes

• Imperialism and Its Consequences: Marlow's journey exposes the exploitation and dehumanization inherent in imperialism.
• Illusion vs. Reality: Marlow grapples with the disjunction between the noble ideals of imperialism and the brutal reality he witnesses.
• The Darkness Within: Marlow's experiences reveals the inherent darkness and capacity for evil within all humans.

Key Quotes

"The horror! The horror!"

• Kurtz's final words, reflect his ultimate realization of the darkness within himself and humanity.

"I don't like work... but I like what is in the work—the chance to find yourself. Your own reality."

• Marlow expresses his belief in the value of work as a means of discovering personal truth.

"He was hollow at the core."

• Marlow's assessment of Kurtz, emphasises the emptiness behind his grand ideals and ambitions.

"The conquest of the earth... mostly means the taking it away from those who have a different complexion or slightly flatter noses than ourselves."

• Marlow's cynical view of imperialism highlights its racist and exploitative nature.

"We live in the flicker—may it last as long as the old earth keeps rolling! But darkness was here yesterday."

• Marlow reflects on civilisation's transient nature and darkness's enduring presence.

Kurtz

Overview

Key Plot Moments

• Introduction Through Reputation
  • Marlow hears about Kurtz's remarkable abilities and moral vision long before meeting him.
• Marlow's First Encounter
  • Marlow finds Kurtz gravely ill, witnessing his profound influence over the natives and his descent into madness.
• Kurtz's Decline
  • Kurtz's moral deterioration is evident in his brutal control over the natives and his participation in "unspeakable rites."
• Final Words
  • Kurtz's last words, "The horror! The horror!" encapsulates his recognition of the darkness within himself and the world.
• Posthumous Influence
  • Even after his death, Kurtz's writings and legacy continue to impact Marlow and the other characters.

Key Themes

• The Duality of Man: Kurtz embodies both the noble aspirations of civilization and the savage instincts of humanity.
• The Illusion of Civilization: Kurtz's fall exposes the thin veneer of civility that masks the inherent darkness within humans.
• The Corrupting Power of Absolute Authority: Kurtz's transformation highlights how power can corrupt and dehumanize.

Key Quotes

"The horror! The horror!"

• Kurtz's last words are a profound reflection of his moral corruption and the darkness of humanity.

"Exterminate all the brutes!"

• A chilling directive scrawled across his idealistic treatise, revealing his descent into savagery.

"I am lying here in the dark waiting for death."

• Kurtz acknowledges his mortality and the futility of his ambitions.

"My Intended, my ivory, my station, my river, my—"

• Kurtz's possessive view of the world indicates his belief in his supremacy.

"You will be lost—utterly lost."

• Marlow's warning to Kurtz, emphasises the moral and existential peril he faces.

General Manager

Overview

Key Plot Moments

• Introduction at Central Station
  • Marlow meets the General Manager, who is unremarkable but holds significant power due to his resilience and unsettling demeanour.
• Sabotage of Marlow's Steamship
  • The General Manager's likely sabotage of the steamship delays Marlow's journey to meet Kurtz, revealing his manipulative nature.
• Conflict with Kurtz
  • The General Manager views Kurtz as a threat to his power and position, leading to subtle sabotage and opposition.
• Reaction to Kurtz's Condition
  • The General Manager feigns concern for Kurtz's health while secretly hoping for his death to secure his position.
• Return to Europe
  • After Kurtz's death, the General Manager is pleased, having removed a significant rival without confrontation.

Key Themes

• Mediocrity in Power: The General Manager's rise to power despite his lack of notable skills underscores the banality of evil.
• The Hollow Nature of Colonialism: The General Manager represents the emptiness and moral void at the heart of the colonial enterprise.
• Manipulation and Control: His actions demonstrate the use of manipulation and psychological control to maintain authority.

Key Quotes

"He inspired uneasiness."

• Marlow's observation of the General Manager's primary trait, allows him to maintain control.

"He was obeyed, yet he inspired neither love nor fear, nor even respect."

• Highlighting the hollow nature of the General Manager's authority.

"His position had come to him—why? Perhaps because he was never ill."

• Reflecting on the arbitrary and unearned nature of his power.

"I couldn't have felt more of lonely desolation somehow, had I been robbed of a belief or had missed my destiny in life."

• Marlow's reaction to the General Manager, emphasises the emptiness he represents.

"He was as hollow as a man can be."

• Marlow's final assessment of the General Manager underscores his lack of substance and moral void.

The Russian Trader

Overview

Key Plot Moments

• Introduction to Marlow
  • The Russian Trader first appears when Marlow and his crew arrive at Kurtz's Inner Station. His distinctive appearance and friendly demeanour make an immediate impression.
• Reveals Kurtz's Influence
  • He shares stories of Kurtz's illnesses and the times he nursed him back to health, revealing the depth of Kurtz's influence over him.
• The Attack Explanation
  • He explains that the native attack on Marlow's steamboat was an effort to prevent Kurtz from leaving, underscoring the natives' reverence for Kurtz.
• Pleads for Kurtz's Safety
  • The Russian begs Marlow to take Kurtz away quickly to save him, showing his deep loyalty and concern for Kurtz's well-being.
• Departure
  • As the situation becomes dire, the Russian leaves, emphasizing his role as an outlier in the brutal world of colonial exploitation.

Key Themes

• Innocence vs. Corruption: The Russian Trader's naivety and idealism contrast sharply with the cynicism and corruption of other European characters in the Congo.
• Survival in the Wilderness: His survival and adaptability in the harsh conditions of the Congo highlight the theme of human resilience.
• The Power of Charisma: His reverence for Kurtz demonstrates the powerful influence Kurtz wields through his charisma and eloquence.

Key Quotes

"This man has enlarged my mind."

• This quote encapsulates the profound impact Kurtz has had on the Russian Trader, indicating the transformative power of Kurtz's ideas and personality.

"Surely wants nothing from the wilderness but space to breathe in."

• Marlow's observation of the Russian highlights his pure and uncalculated spirit of adventure, setting him apart from other Europeans in the Congo.

"If the absolutely pure, uncalculating, unpractical spirit of adventure had ever ruled a human being, it ruled this … youth."

• This description emphasizes the Russian Trader's innocent and adventurous nature, free from the greed and ambition that characterize other colonists.

"The hut with the stacked wood was his old house."

• The Russian's joy at retrieving his book from Marlow illustrates his simple pleasures and connection to his past in the jungle.

"I let him run on, this papier-mâché Mephistopheles."

• Marlow's reflection on the Brickmaker, in contrast to the Russian Trader, underscores the latter's authenticity compared to the hollow pretence of other characters.

Narrator

Overview

Key Plot Moments

• Setting the Scene
  • The Narrator introduces the setting on the Thames and the group of men on the ship, establishing the frame for Marlow's story.
• Describing the Characters
  • He provides brief descriptions of the other men on the ship, giving context to their backgrounds and relationships.
• Interpreting Marlow's Tale
  • Throughout Marlow's narrative, the Narrator offers insights and reflections that deepen the reader's understanding of the events and themes.
• Final Reflections
  • At the end of Marlow's story, the Narrator reflects on the broader implications of the journey, particularly the darkness that exists within humanity.
• Symbolic Imagery
  • The Narrator frequently uses symbolic imagery to underscore the themes of the novel, such as the darkness of the Thames and the Congo.

Key Themes

• Storytelling and Perspective: The Narrator's role highlights the importance of perspective in storytelling, showing how narratives are shaped by those who tell them.
• Civilization and Savagery: His reflections often contrast the perceived civility of Europe with the brutality of colonial exploitation.
• The Darkness Within: The Narrator's insights emphasize the novel's exploration of the darkness within the human soul.

Key Quotes

"The offing was barred by a black bank of clouds, and the tranquil waterway leading to the uttermost ends of the earth flowed sombre under an overcast sky—seemed to lead into the heart of an immense darkness."

• This quote from the Narrator at the end of the novel encapsulates the pervasive darkness that characterizes both the Congo and the human soul.

"The dreams of men, the seed of commonwealths, the germs of empire."

• Reflecting on the history of exploration and colonization, the Narrator underscores the lofty ideals that often mask darker motives.

"The conquest of the earth, which mostly means the taking it away from those who have a different complexion or slightly flatter noses than ourselves, is not a pretty thing when you look into it too much."

• This observation critiques the brutality and racism inherent in imperialism, revealing the darkness at the heart of the colonial endeavour.

"The yarns of seamen have a direct simplicity, the whole meaning of which lies within the shell of a cracked nut."

• The Narrator comments on the straightforward yet profound nature of sailors' stories, setting the stage for Marlow's complex narrative.

"And this also," said Marlow suddenly, "has been one of the dark places of the earth."

• By recalling Marlow's words, the Narrator links the ancient darkness of London with the contemporary darkness of the Congo, suggesting a universal and timeless human condition.

The Brickmaker

Overview

Key Plot Moments

• Encounter with Marlow
  • The Brickmaker first appears when Marlow arrives at the Central Station, trying to gather information about Marlow's connections and mission.
• Spying for the General Manager
  • He is revealed to be the General Manager's spy, illustrating the internal politics and distrust within the Company.
• Conversations about Kurtz
  • He discusses Kurtz with Marlow, revealing his jealousy and fear of Kurtz's influence and potential to disrupt his ambitions.
• Marlow's Manipulation
  • Marlow deceives the Brickmaker into believing he has influential connections in Europe to expedite the repair of his steamboat.
• Symbol of Hypocrisy
  • Throughout his interactions, the Brickmaker symbolizes the empty pretence and moral decay of the colonial bureaucracy.

Key Themes

Hypocrisy and Pretense: The Brickmaker's character embodies the hypocrisy of the colonial agents who pretend to work for noble causes while pursuing personal gain.

Corruption and Ambition: The Brickmaker's scheming nature illustrates the corrupting influence of unchecked ambition within the colonial enterprise.

Hollowness of Civilization: His lack of actual productivity and moral integrity highlights the theme of civilization's superficiality.

Key Quotes

"I let him run on, this papier-mâché Mephistopheles, and it seemed to me that if I tried I could poke my forefinger through him, and would find nothing inside but a little loose dirt, maybe."

• Marlow's description of the Brickmaker captures his perception of the man's emptiness and moral corruption.

"He was the Manager's spy upon you."

• This quote underscores the Brickmaker's role as a tool of the General Manager's surveillance and control.

"The gang of virtue"

• The Brickmaker sarcastically refers to Marlow and Kurtz as part of a "gang of virtue," highlighting his cynicism and jealousy.

"It was as unreal as everything else—as the philanthropic pretence of the whole concern."

• This observation reflects Marlow's disillusionment with the pretences of the Company, as embodied by the Brickmaker.

"A taint of death, a flavour of mortality in lies—which is exactly what I hate and detest in the world—what I want to forget."

• Marlow's aversion to lying, even as he manipulates the Brickmaker, highlights his internal conflict and moral struggle.