The question of whether people are naturally good or evil is one that has been asked by writers and philosophers alike throughout the centuries. In “Heart of Darkness” one of the major themes is human nature and whether people are naturally good or evil. Conrad uses Marlow and Kurtz as vessels to explore human nature and to send a message to his audience. By examining the story, the reader can see the difference in how Marlow represents good in humanity, how Kurtz represents evil, and how these two characters sends a message to Conrad’s readers. In “Heart of Darkness” Marlow represents the good in human nature. Throughout the beginning we see Marlow represented as looking similar to a buddhist monk. This early symbolism hints to the reader that Marlow is an honorable and good person. Furthermore, Marlow speaks about the violent acts committed in the Congo with horror. He
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With Marlow, it is an optimistic and hopeful view of humanity and how we can overcome our basic desires. On the other hand, Kurtz is used as a forewarning message of the dangers that occur when we succumb to greed and other sin. While Marlow is able to leave the Congo with his humanity intact - albeit tainted - Kurtz falls into debasement and desire. These two characters represent the duality of human nature and good and evil. Depending on the choices that we make, we can end up on the dark path of Kurtz or the ethical path of Marlow. Marlow talks about this directly saying, “But his soul was mad. Being alone in the wilderness, it had looked within itself, and, by heavens! I tell you, it had gone mad. I had—for my sins, I suppose—to go through the ordeal of looking into it myself.” When Marlow looked within himself he found a being who was able to overcome their instincts. However, this was not so for Kurtz; he is a fearful reminder of what we can become and should be looked at as a warning
With Marlow, it is an optimistic and hopeful view of humanity and how we can overcome our basic desires. On the other hand, Kurtz is used as a forewarning message of the dangers that occur when we succumb to greed and other sin. While Marlow is able to leave the Congo with his humanity intact - albeit tainted - Kurtz falls into debasement and desire. These two characters represent the duality of human nature and good and evil. Depending on the choices that we make, we can end up on the dark path of Kurtz or the ethical path of Marlow. Marlow talks about this directly saying, “But his soul was mad. Being alone in the wilderness, it had looked within itself, and, by heavens! I tell you, it had gone mad. I had—for my sins, I suppose—to go through the ordeal of looking into it myself.” When Marlow looked within himself he found a being who was able to overcome their instincts. However, this was not so for Kurtz; he is a fearful reminder of what we can become and should be looked at as a warning