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.
Is Marlow a reliable narrator in Heart of Darkness?
Like most first-person narrators, Marlow in Heart of Darkness is not reliable. He is spinning a sailor's yarn, heightening and/or leaving out aspects of the story for dramatic effect.
What lie did Marlow tell to Kurtz’s fiancée in Heart of Darkness and why?
Marlow lies to Kurtz's fiancée in Heart of Darkness by telling her that Kurtz's last words were her name, instead of "The horror! The horror!" He does this to preserve her romanticized vision of Kurtz as a noble man. Marlow believes women should stay ignorant of the harsh realities of imperialism, though he feels conflicted about perpetuating this lie.
What are Marlow's first impressions of the European presence in Africa and how does his view of Africans contrast with the Europeans'? How does he describe the "devils" he sees in most Europeans in Africa?
Marlow and Kurtz's evolving relationship and dynamics in Heart of Darkness
In Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, Marlow and Kurtz represent different facets of European colonialism. Both begin their journeys with noble intentions, but Kurtz succumbs to madness, becoming a tyrant who exploits the natives, whereas Marlow retains his sanity and moral compass. Marlow's fascination with Kurtz evolves from curiosity to horror, as he witnesses Kurtz's charismatic yet depraved nature. Ultimately, Marlow sees Kurtz as a cautionary example of the corruption and moral darkness inherent in colonial endeavors.
The symbolic and allegorical significance of Marlow's journey in Heart of Darkness as a descent into Hell and self-discovery
Marlow's journey in Heart of Darkness symbolizes a descent into Hell and a path of self-discovery. The deeper he ventures into the Congo, the more he confronts the darkness within humanity and himself. This journey reflects the struggle between civilization and savagery, revealing his inner fears and the moral ambiguities of imperialism.
Marlow's admiration for Kurtz and why others consider him magnificent in Heart of Darkness
Marlow admires Kurtz for his charisma, eloquence, and the profound impact he has on those around him. Others consider Kurtz magnificent due to his ability to command respect and loyalty, his visionary ideas, and his success in procuring ivory. Despite his moral corruption, Kurtz's enigmatic personality and powerful presence leave a lasting impression on everyone he encounters.
Marlow's Transformation and Realizations in Heart of Darkness
In Heart of Darkness, Marlow undergoes a profound transformation as he journeys into the Congo. Initially naive and idealistic about imperialism, Marlow gradually realizes the brutal exploitation and corruption inherent in the colonial enterprise. His encounter with Kurtz, who embodies the darkest aspects of humanity, shatters Marlow's illusions about civilization and morality. By the end, Marlow emerges more cynical, recognizing the universal capacity for evil within mankind and the moral complexities of human nature.
Marlow's Respect and Interaction with Africans in Heart of Darkness
In Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, Marlow's interactions with Africans reflect both respect and a struggle with the theme of otherness. He shows empathy and distress over the exploitation and suffering of the native population, viewing them as victims rather than savages. However, his perspective is limited by his inherent biases, as he often refers to them as "others." Despite his efforts to alleviate individual suffering, Marlow remains separated from the Africans by his identity and the entrenched colonial system.
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.
