Heart Of Darkness Research Paper
What did Marlow Learn? Marlow is the main character in Joseph Conrad’s novel Heart of Darkness. The protagonist is also the narrator in the story about the experiences of an explorer in the foreign lands in the wake of Western imperialism in Africa. The protagonist, Marlow, is an eloquent storyteller whom the author uses to give an exposition of his own experiences in the Congo, albeit with a touch of fiction. The story line revolves around the experiences of Marlow as a riverboat captain for the Company, a Belgian organization that trades in the Congo. The focus is on the journey that Marlow makes up the perilous Congo River in order to meet the legendary Kurtz who runs an Inner Station of the Company in a remote setting along the Congo River (Conrad 12). The story covers Marlow’s journey, first from England to the Congo, then into the interior to meet the enigmatic Kurtz. The protagonist’s piloting of the boat along the dangerous Congo River symbolizes his tribulations. The title Heart of Darkness highlights the Eurocentric attitude towards Africa, about its lack of civilization and therefore the need to bring light to it through colonization (Moore 19). In the mission that Marlow undertakes, he learns about the West and their imperialistic mission, and finally, he is able to deconstruct some lifelong myths about the West.
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The General Manager is a naturally conspiring individual who has set out to undermine those he feels are a threat to his authority. He particularly feels that Kurtz might take his position from him, owing to his exemplary abilities. The General Manager and his uncle seem to be under a conspiracy to see a quick demise of Kurtz in order for him to be safe in the position that he occupies (McCarthy 9). From eavesdropping into their conversation, Marlow learns about the deep hatred the two harbor for Kurtz, and their willingness to do away with
The General Manager is a naturally conspiring individual who has set out to undermine those he feels are a threat to his authority. He particularly feels that Kurtz might take his position from him, owing to his exemplary abilities. The General Manager and his uncle seem to be under a conspiracy to see a quick demise of Kurtz in order for him to be safe in the position that he occupies (McCarthy 9). From eavesdropping into their conversation, Marlow learns about the deep hatred the two harbor for Kurtz, and their willingness to do away with