Marlow
Extended Character Analysis
Charles Marlow is thin and weathered; he resembles a religious or spiritual figure, at first looking like an “idol.” By the conclusion of his tale, he resembles a meditating Buddha, sitting cross-legged. Marlow is unusual for a sailor because he is motivated by his desire to explore different lands, whereas other seamen are content with life on the open sea. He recalls his time in the Congo as he and his companions are sailing down the River Thames and out to sea.
Marlow admits that he has always wanted to see as much of the world as possible, especially unexplored regions. The Congo river, extending into the center of the African continent, fascinates Marlow, prompting him to get a job in the ivory trade just to be able to sail up the river and see it firsthand. His conversation with his aunt foregrounds the idealism with which Europeans approached the colonization of Africa. He is uncomfortable with the idea that he is going to “civilize” the Africans; he views his journey as a business venture, not a moral crusade. His aunt’s idealism is quickly shown to be unfounded, as Marlow witnesses the horrific treatment of the enslaved Africans and the disorganization of the Europeans in charge of the ivory trade.
Unbeknownst to Marlow, his aunt’s connections set him in the footsteps of Kurtz, bringing idealism and competence to the trade stations. This expectation leads the men he works with to treat him differently. The reverence and awe that the other Europeans show toward Kurtz fascinates Marlow, and he becomes increasingly intrigued by his mysterious predecessor. This growing fascination leads him to occasionally forget that his journey is primarily motivated by ivory, not Kurtz.
According to Marlow, most of his introspection and reflection occurred after his journey to the Congo. In the moment, he was fully focused on the task at hand, whether it was getting to the Central Station, fixing the steamboat, or heading to the Inner Station. Marlow thinks very little of most of the people he encounters in the Congo, whether they are European or African. He refers to virtually no one by name, except Kurtz, a narrative feature that adds to the detached and eerie tone of the novella.
Although he considers the Africans primitive and simple, Marlow is often shocked into acknowledging that perhaps the Africans and Europeans are not all that different. These moments occur when the supposedly simple Africans exhibit complex behavior, such as the cannibals’ refraining from eating other people, the helmsman’s attempting to keep Marlow safe from Kurtz’s followers, and the African woman’s grief when Kurtz is taken. He also points out the irony that the supposedly civilized Europeans are too disorganized to send the right supplies at the right time. In further displays of barbarity, the Europeans use meaningless tasks to keep the African slaves in check, and treat the Africans brutally in the name of helping them be more civilized. As he recounts his experiences, Marlow expounds at length about the absurd behavior of most of the Europeans, comparing the dark and treacherous Congo to what London must once have been like.
Expert Q&A
What is the significance of Kurtz's last words in Heart of Darkness and how does Marlow interpret them?
Kurtz's last words in Heart of Darkness, "The horror! The horror!", reflect his profound disillusionment with the brutalities of imperialism and his own moral decay. Marlow interprets these words as a moment of lucid truth-telling, viewing Kurtz as a "remarkable man" for his ability to articulate such a powerful insight amidst his final moments. Marlow's admiration stems from Kurtz's candidness and the depth of his realization, which encapsulates the dark core of human nature and the corrupting forces of colonial exploitation.
Why does Marlow go to the Congo and why is he obsessed with meeting Kurtz?
Driven by his childhood fascination with the Congo River, Marlow embarks on his journey to the African heartland. His obsession with the river's darkness and unknown lengths mirrors his intrigue with the mysterious Kurtz, the Company's most successful ivory agent. Marlow is drawn to Kurtz's alleged defiance of the Company's greed and inefficiency, and his rumored ability to maintain civility amidst the heart of darkness. Meeting Kurtz becomes Marlow's primary focus, stirring his curiosity about Kurtz's true nature and motives.
In Heart of Darkness, what does Marlow say about the Roman imperial project?
Marlow reflects on the Roman imperial project by imagining how Roman soldiers faced the unknown and hostile environment of Africa. He notes their courage to "face the darkness," despite the "fascination of the abomination," such as fear and disgust. This analogy foreshadows his own experiences and suggests that European imperialism, like the Roman efforts, might ultimately fail in Africa due to the continent's overpowering challenges and complexities.
Which book does Marlow find in the jungle's reed hut and what are his feelings when he puts it away?
Marlow finds a book titled An Inquiry Into Some Points of Seamanship in the jungle's reed hut. Initially, he is fascinated by its civilized nature amidst the chaotic jungle, appreciating its honest and methodical approach. Despite its dry content, the book provides Marlow a mental escape, offering solace and a sense of friendship. However, the unreadable marginal notes and its association with Kurtz's Russian assistant add to his apprehension about the journey ahead.
What significance do Marlow's references to maps have in representing light and darkness opposition?
Marlow's references to maps signify the opposition of light and darkness by illustrating the negative impact of European colonialism. Initially fascinated by unexplored "blank spaces," Marlow observes that as these areas are colonized, they become "darker" on the maps. This transformation symbolizes the moral corruption brought by Europeans, where "light" (Europeans) is ironically associated with evil, while "darkness" (Africans) suggests inherent goodness, emphasizing the ambiguous moral nature of humanity.
In Conrad's Heart of Darkness, is Marlow sent to find Kurtz or is he simply intrigued by him?
In Heart of Darkness, Marlow is initially sent to the Congo to retrieve a deceased captain's body. However, he is later tasked with bringing Kurtz back for the Company, which is primarily interested in Kurtz due to his success in shipping ivory. While Marlow becomes intrigued by Kurtz's mythological reputation, his mission is to rescue Kurtz. Ultimately, Marlow finds Kurtz irreparably changed by the jungle, leading to Kurtz's death before returning to civilization.
In Heart of Darkness, what is Marlow's interpretation of Kurtz's voice?
Marlow interprets Kurtz's voice as his most enduring trait. Despite Kurtz's physical and moral decay, his eloquence remains powerful. Marlow perceives Kurtz's voice as his last connection to his true self, using it to dominate others and mask his inner corruption. Ultimately, Kurtz's voice symbolizes his struggle to justify his actions and maintain control as he confronts his own darkness.
In Heart of Darkness, what is Marlow's purpose in telling his story?
In Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, why does Marlow respect the accountant?
What measurements does the company doctor take of Marlow, and why? How does this affect Marlow?
The company doctor measures Marlow's skull to assess his personality before his journey to Africa, using phrenology, a now-discredited pseudoscience. This practice aimed to identify potential deviant behavior through skull shape. Marlow finds the questioning intrusive, as the doctor also inquires about any family history of madness. Ironically, despite "normal" skull measurements, many colonialists commit atrocities in Africa, highlighting the flawed nature of phrenology.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.
