One of the most enigmatic characters in twentieth-century literature, Kurtz is a petty tyrant, a dying god, an embodiment of Europe, and an assault on European values . ... Kurtz is a dangerous man because he gives the lie to the Company’s “humanistic” intentions in the Congo.
How does Marlow describe Kurtz?
Marlow calls Kurtz a universal genius because of his take on humanity and his talents in a wide variety of subjects . Marlow has been interested in Kurtz since he first heard about the man.
What is admirable about Kurtz’s character?
Kurtz is able, through his great charisma and ability with language, to affect men and cause them to admire him . He is also capable of incredible brutality, and has used his control over the native peoples in the jungle to enforce his role as dictator through fear and murder.
What kind of a man was Kurtz in The Heart of Darkness?
Kurtz is a man of many talents—we learn, among other things, that he is a gifted musician and a fine painter —the chief of which are his charisma and his ability to lead men. Kurtz is a man who understands the power of words, and his writings are marked by an eloquence that obscures their horrifying message.
What does Kurtz symbolize in the novella 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.
Why Kurtz say the horror the horror?
What do Kurtz’s last words mean? Kurtz’s last words—“The horror! ... More likely, these words reflect Kurtz’s failure to achieve his many lofty goals and fulfill his destiny, and he cannot help but utter in despair as the emptiness of his own life envelopes him .
Why did Marlow lie about Kurtz last words?
Marlow lies to Kurtz’s Intended to spare her the painful reality of her fiancé’s descent into madness and evil. ... Marlow lies that the last word Kurtz uttered was his fiancée’s name because “it would have been too dark” to tell her that Kurtz last spoke of pure and desolate horror.
Who is with Kurtz when he dies?
In his dying words as in his life, though, Kurtz creates an enigma, an object for contemplation, which certainly is something. His legacy, in fact, would seem to be Marlow , who, like the Russian trader, seems to have had his mind “enlarged” by Kurtz.
What is Kurtz known for?
| Kurtz | Gender Male | Occupation Ivory trader | Nationality British |
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What was Kurtz tragic flaw?
His flaw came with his power . He became too powerful, and it got to his head. He felt that he could do anything. “This was the unbounded power of eloquence — of words — of burning noble words.”
What is the main theme of Heart of Darkness?
Overview. The main themes of Heart of Darkness include darkness, alienation and loneliness, and chaos and order . Darkness: Marlow sees “darkness” in the practices of imperialism, though the book maintains the racist implication that it is the uncivilized land and people that led to Europeans’ corruption.
Why does Marlow obsessed with Kurtz?
Marlow pursues Kurtz because of the mystery surrounding him and the hype that surrounds even the mention of his name. Throughout the time that Marlow hasn’t met Kurtz, he develops an extreme desire to meet this man. ... Also, Marlow becomes fascinated by this man because he feels like he can relate to Kurtz.
Why does Marlow want Kurtz?
In a way, Marlow is motivated to meet Kurtz in hopes of finding a European who is pure, morally upright , and successful. Upon reaching the Inner Station, Marlow discovers that Kurtz has been utterly corrupted by greed and uses his status to wreak havoc on the surrounding African villages.
What does the horror mean in Apocalypse Now?
While Kurtz accepts and indulges the darkness within the soul, this darkness is what eventually breaks him down. His last words, “The horror, the horror,” suggest that he is seeing clearly for the first time and that he has greeted death so willingly because only death can liberate him from his hopelessness.
Is Heart of Darkness a horror story?
Along with its various other generic affiliations — imperial romance, psychological novel, impressionist tour de force — Heart of Darkness is a horror story .
Who is the true hero of 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.
