In the words of John Calvin, “Man is inclined towards chaos.” Joseph Conrad reveals this statement to be true through Charlie Marlow, the protagonist of his novel Heart of Darkness, in his search for Kurtz. Heart of Darkness accurately depicts Conrad’s message that civilization is merely a veneer that dis-alludes human savagery, as seen in Kurtz. As Marlow navigates the Congo, he is gradually introduced to Kurtz’s character and as he goes throughout his journey Charlie creates an idealized version of Kurtz. The more Marlow learns, the more enamored he is with the mystery that is Kurtz, yet when Marlow finally reaches his destination, he learns that Kurtz is merely a shadow of whom he once was.
Kurtz’s descent from civilization can be witnessed through Marlow’s surroundings as he further declines into the jungle. When Marlow first appears in Brussels before departing for his journey, he describes the city as a sepulchre. This description of Brussels is significant because a sepulchre appears clean and morally sound, but underneath it is not pleasant. Kurtz’s presence in society can be compared to that of a sepulchre as well. On the surface Kurtz …show more content…
The man he discovers at the Inner Station to be Kurtz is insignificant compared to the lessons he has learned on his expedition. Conrad gradually introduces the idea of Kurtz to Marlow in order to portray the significance of restraint. Marlow becomes aware that order and restraint formed the foundation maintain civilization in Europe in order to combat the savage, chaotic nature of man. Conrad illustrates Kurtz’s descent from the permitted aspirations of society through the slow deterioration of the various stations, and in the contrast between the women who hold power over Kurtz. Marlow comes to understand that darkness is all around and inside of us and that one must practice strength and obedience to tackle the human nature hiding within us
Kurtz’s descent from civilization can be witnessed through Marlow’s surroundings as he further declines into the jungle. When Marlow first appears in Brussels before departing for his journey, he describes the city as a sepulchre. This description of Brussels is significant because a sepulchre appears clean and morally sound, but underneath it is not pleasant. Kurtz’s presence in society can be compared to that of a sepulchre as well. On the surface Kurtz …show more content…
The man he discovers at the Inner Station to be Kurtz is insignificant compared to the lessons he has learned on his expedition. Conrad gradually introduces the idea of Kurtz to Marlow in order to portray the significance of restraint. Marlow becomes aware that order and restraint formed the foundation maintain civilization in Europe in order to combat the savage, chaotic nature of man. Conrad illustrates Kurtz’s descent from the permitted aspirations of society through the slow deterioration of the various stations, and in the contrast between the women who hold power over Kurtz. Marlow comes to understand that darkness is all around and inside of us and that one must practice strength and obedience to tackle the human nature hiding within us