Character List
Marlow. The protagonist of Heart of Darkness. Kurtz. The chief of the Inner Station and the object of Marlow’s quest. General manager. The chief agent of the Company in its African territory, who runs the Central Station. Brickmaker. Chief accountant. Pilgrims. Cannibals. Russian trader.
Who is the villain of Heart of Darkness?
The primary antagonist in Heart of Darkness is Kurtz, whose descent into madness makes him the clearest embodiment of corruption and evil in the novella, and ultimately the character that fully disillusions Marlow in regard to European conquests.
Who is the true hero in Heart of Darkness?
Marlow serves as the protagonist of Heart of Darkness, and most of the novella features him telling his own story from his own perspective.
What does Kurtz symbolize in Heart of Darkness?
Kurtz, one of the leading characters, the other being Marlow, the narrator of the soty, represents many symbols in the novel. Firstly, he symbolizes the greed and the commercial mentality of the white people of the western countries. Secondly, he symbolizes the white man’s love of power.
What was doctor’s advice to Marlow?
The Doctor
He measures Marlow’s head, saying ‘I always ask leave, in the interests of science, to measure the crania of those going out there’ but comments that really, ‘the changes take place inside, you know. ‘ He then asks Marlow, ‘Ever any madness in your family?’
Who are the cannibals in Heart of Darkness?
In Heart of Darkness, the cannibals were indigenous Africans hired to work on the steamboat during its journey up the Congo River.
What were Kurtz’s last words?
What do Kurtz’s last words mean? Kurtz’s last words—“The horror! The horror!”—can be interpreted in various ways.
What does the Brickmaker represent in Heart of Darkness?
The brickmaker is nearby, discussing Kurtz with the manager. We learn that not only does this guy not do his job of making bricks, but he is inexplicably wealthy. The implication is that he is in cahoots with the manager and making money illegally. The brickmaker engages Marlow in conversation.
What is the Nellie in Heart of Darkness?
Heart of Darkness begins on board the Nellie, a small ship moored on the Thames River in London. After describing the river and its slow-moving traffic, the unnamed narrator offers short descriptions of London’s history to his companions who, with him, lazily lounge on the deck, waiting for the tide to turn.
Why is Marlow a hero?
Marlow is a complicated man who anticipates the figures of high modernism while also reflecting his Victorian predecessors. Marlow is in many ways a traditional hero: tough, honest, an independent thinker, a capable man. Yet he is also “broken” or “damaged,” like T. S.
What does Marlow symbolize in Heart of Darkness?
The role of Marlow is highly symbolic. Firstly, he symbolizes the spirit of adventure and a love of knowledge. His boyhood dream of travelling to Congo and sailing upon the river Congo is translated into reality only because of his inborn spirit of adventure.
What does Marlow realize about himself?
He realizes that civilization may be more of a lie than we like to think. He admires Kurtz for accepting the true nature inside of himself instead of remaining tied to the roles in civilization. Marlow is able to act as a balance between the manager and Kurtz.
What does the Harlequin symbolize in Heart of Darkness?
The Russian sailor as a Harlequin thus is an archetype for Marlow’s descent into the heart of darkness, a psychic dissolution and disintegration symbolized by the distinct colors on the costume he wears, but where Marlow returns home transformed, the Russian sailor remains behind, slipping back into the darkness.
How are Marlow and Kurtz different?
Both men journey farther and farther into the African jungle. Kurtz, however, is driven to insanity. Marlow seems to find himself looking out over the edge of the cliff falling to insanity and turns around. Another shared characteristic is their attitude towards the natives or savages.
How does Marlow change in Heart of Darkness?
How does Marlow change? Marlow changes his position in relationship to imperialism, developing a more critical stance. In Heart Of Darkness, Marlow changes in the sense that he moves towards self,whilst moving towards the centre of earth, taking on a whole new perspective as he does so.
What company does Marlow work for?
Heart of Darkness centers around Marlow, an introspective sailor, and his journey up the Congo River to meet Kurtz, reputed to be an idealistic man of great abilities. Marlow takes a job as a riverboat captain with the Company, a Belgian concern organized to trade in the Congo.
What do the cannibals on the steamboat eat in Heart of Darkness?
Marlow realizes that the cannibals must be terribly hungry, as they have not been allowed to go ashore to trade for supplies, and their only food, a supply of rotting hippo meat, was long since thrown overboard by the pilgrims.
Who arranges for Marlow to get a job in the Congo?
The Nellie. How did Marlow get his job in Africa? His aunt helped him get it.
