We examined Kurtz' character closely today. What do you find most condemning? Most redeeming? Besides the connection to
Gatsby &
Breaking Bad that we looked at, where else do you see Kurtz-like characters? Applying literature and making connections! :)
I noticed many condemning qualities of Kurtz, he shows symbolizm of the seven deadly sins which is a connection to Biblical references. Kurtz has displayed the sin of wrath, lust, greed, pride and envy. From examining Kurtz' character today and reading further into part three, out of the heart of darkness, I found Kurtz "lacked restraint in the gratificatioin of his variouis lusts," to be condemning. "Glamour urged him on, glamor kept him unscathed," this statement reveals the hubris of Kurtz. He reveals his wrath by "killing who he jolly well pleased." He reveals his greed when he states "my ivory, my intended, my ivory, my station, my river, my -." This belief that everything is his really shows his true green colors. Kurtz' most redeeming qualities in my opinion is that of idealism, Kurtz' personality portrayed by others instead of himself. The idealism of a "prodigy," a "guiding light," and "an unfathomable enigma, a mystery." When I thought of other characters that resembles Kurtz, Satan from Milton's Paradise Lost came to my mind. Their twisted ways of thought and personalities are similar. "He had taken a high seat amongst the devils of the land-I mean literally."
ReplyDeleteA well-written and profound response, but I do have one question: do you really believe that Kurtz demonstrates idealism? I might be misunderstanding your response, but to me, it seems like it is not Kurtz, but Marlow that idealizes Kurtz to the point where he almost becomes apathetic about the real tragedies (such as the death of Helmsman). While it is undeniable that Kurtz inspires idealism in others, that idealism itself is not Kurtz's own.
DeleteI like how you outlined many of the qualities of Kurtz that led to him being viewed as an evil character. By giving an example of all these sins, one can see how profoundly twisted of a character Kurtz is.
DeleteKurtz was previously viewed as an idealistic by Marlow, Accountant, Manager, etc. So what I was implying is that he symbolizes idealism to the other characters of the book as an enigma.
DeleteI like that you say that he symbolizes the seven deadly sins! I never thought about it like that. Foster told us that we need to look for Biblical references because they are super common, but I would have never have found this! Thanks for the insight!
DeleteI really like your connection with the seven deadly sins. He definitely represents greed because all he wants is ivory. This makes him lust over ivory and power. Everyone experiences one of the deadly sins so I really like your connection.
DeleteGreat job with connecting Kurtz to the bible. I did not think about Kurtz having connections to the seven deadly sins.
DeleteWhile I find Kurtz's character quite repulsive as a whole (and again, I might be making a rash judgment myself) what I found most condemning was his conceit towards the Congolese culture. He works for the "International Society for Suppression of Savage Customs" and believes that whites should be revered as "deity" by the native Africans. While some might argue that Kurtz also "respects" African traditions by participating in native cultural rituals at night, he is, in fact, asserting his dominance as a European colonizer even further by participating in gross cultural appropriation.
ReplyDeleteOf course, Kurtz is not entirely without reedeming qualities. He is an eloquent writer, whose writing ability has perhaps earned him the reputation as a "prodigy." Nevertheless, being an eloquent writer does not set off his lack of sound morality.
Consider the pedophile Humbert Humbert from "Lolita." While Humbert Humbert writes in some of the most beautiful prose readers of English-language literature have ever laid their eyes on, his eloquent language only serves to conceal his abhorrent rape of the preadolescent girl. The cases of Humbert Humbert and Kurtz prove that one's talent does not offset his/her moral fault.
I agree that Kurtz is a repulsive character who does not in fact respect the Congolese culture, but instead abuses their beliefs about European colonizers. Instead of viewing Kurtz as nothing but repulsive however, I see him as a character of wasted potential. He had so much potential to do good for Africa from his position of power, but instead of using this power to help the Congolese, he abuses it greedily.
DeleteWhen Kurtz mentions that the "whites" are "deities" to the Congolese I found it to symbolize pride which is one of the seven deadly sins (which I mentioned in my response above). I find this interesting because the picture of the blindfolded women with the light (in my opinion) was thought to symbolize bringing light (civilization) to Africa. However, Kurtz' actions described so far portrays him (the Europeans) as more savage than that of the Natives. And it also shows that the deeper they go into the Heart of Darkness the more temptations and "sins" they will have to face.
DeleteI find your comment about Kurtz participating in the African rituals to be very interesting. This brings a whole new perspective to the reading because this could suggest that maybe Kurtz isn't so much losing his mind as he is finding new ways to exert power and dominance over his "subjects." Great insight!
DeleteI absolutely LOVE your Lolita reference! Do you think it's at all possible for characters like Humbert or Kurtz to find personal light inside of their dark souls? Marlow often makes references to Buddha; can Kurtz still change his ways and reach enlightenment, or is it too late for him to achieve salvation?
DeleteKurtz’ most condemning aspect is how he readily allows himself to be worshipped as a god. He writes in the book Marlow found that “whites, from the point of development we had arrived at, ‘must necessarily appear to them [savages] in the nature of supernatural beings – we approach them with the might as of a diety’” (167). On the opposing side, his most redeeming quality is that he came to Africa with good intentions. While many people aimed to exploit Africa for selfish means, he intended to help both the Africans and himself through a mutually beneficial relationship. After living in Africa for a while, however, he was corrupted by the “darkness” and began to abuse the fear/reverence that the Africans had for him. One can find Kurtz-like characters in Brave New World. Mustapha Mond is a Kurtz-like character. He began as a young, ambitious scientist, aiming to help the world for the better. After his work, which despite being beneficial was illegal, was discovered, he was coerced into being a World Controller. As a World Controller, he became corrupted. He repressed his scientific desires and began to persecute those who thought differently from the societal norm, despite at one point being a freethinker himself. In addition to Mustapha Mond, it can be assumed that many of the original creators of the “brave new world” were Kurtz-like. In the beginning, the creators’ goals were to protect the population from deadly disease and weaponry. They ended up taking this protection too far and instead ended up ruthlessly enforcing their ways upon the society. The evolution of a character with good intentions into something corrupted and evil is a common theme throughout literature.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Kurtz' condemning aspect is that he idolizes himself which is breaking the Ten Commandments. I agree that in the end they ruthlessly enforced their own ways upon the society. Kurtz' first intention was to be benevolent in Africa but instead was transformed by greed and pride. Do you think that Marlow could end up becoming engulfed in sin like Kurtz?
DeleteI really like the connection you made between Kurtz and Mustapha Mond! I didn't see the similarities at all while I was reading, but now that you've pointed it out, I see where you're coming from! You could even go a step further to claim that both men are enigmas. Kurtz of course is an enigma in the sense that he has been a mystery up until this point, expressing both positive and negative characteristics, Mustapha Mond is one also as can be seen when he talks with Bernard near the end of the novel. Rather than solely scolding him for deviating from societal norms, Mond puzzles the audience by empathizing with the men, revealing that he himself used to be an adventurous scientist also.
DeleteI find the connection between Kurtz and Mustapha Mond interesting. I definitely see the connection between the two. I, however, am not sure how Kurtz "allows" himself to be worshipped. Does not your quote kind of demonstrate that Kurtz is willingly and actively trying to be worshipped by "approaching [the natives] with the might as of a deity"?
DeleteI like your comparison between Mond and Kurtz. They both completely know what is right yet don't follow up on it like you said "ruthlessly enforce their ways upon society."
DeleteI really liked the comparison between Mond and Kurtz! Great quotes from the book to support it as well.
DeleteHonestly like this Tyler. The road to hell is paved with good intentions right?
DeleteNow that we see Kurtz for what he really is, I see that some chracters really are beyond saving, a question that came up in class. Kurtz expects the Congolese to treat him like a God, and while they do in a sense, there is irony in the fact that he commands them but cannot walk away from his station a free man. His ambition, charisma, and natural ability made him the "spoiled and pampered favorite" of the Congo, and as Marlow noted, it wouldn't be long before the "powers of darkness have claimed him for their own". Kurtz's insatiable greed transformed him both mentally and physically until it consumed him and his head "was like a ball – an ivory ball." This transformation changed my initial thought that Kurtz could be a positive force in the Congo, and instead proved that the darkness had indeed infiltrated a man who once had the propensity for greatness. His greed and egocentrism sealed his fate as a product of the jungle, and a human representation of sin.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Just like Kurtz, I still had a hope in Kurtz before they reached the Heart of Darkness, but we slowly read into the character of Kurtz, his greed and selfish nature, that draws us against Kurtz and hopefully, Marlow will, too.
DeleteYou seem to have the dynamics of Kurtz character spot on. I think it is interesting that you say that Kurtz's fate has been sealed. It relates back to when the doctor is examining Marlow to see if he is mad for wanting to go to the Congo and how the doctor believes that men that go to the Congo turn mad there. It seems as if even if you are sane going into the jungle that you will come out warped in some way just as Kurtz has turned his good heart into a heart of darkness.
DeleteI never thought of Kurtz not being able to leave his station a free man. Great insight!
DeleteI totally agree with your point of how "it wouldn't be long before the "powers of darkness have claimed him for their own". It really reflects on the idea of how "nature takes back what it gives" as in how Kurtz's control over almost everything in the Congo comes back and "claims" him to become a part of the darkness (greed and power) of the region.
DeleteAfter analyzing Kurtz's characteristics today in class, there are several traits I find absolutely revolting, chief among them his hypocrisy and misconstrued notions of superiority. If you can recall whe Marlow first arrives at the station with the manager he perceives to be a "chattering idiot" and the brickmaker, he encounters one of Kurtz's paintings depicting a woman bringing light into the darkness. If this is to be taken as a symbol representing him and his fellow Europeans' goal to "bring civilization to the savages," Kurtz has miserably failed in his mission. This is evident by what Marlow explains that he later writes- "exterminate the brutes!" By advocating the annihilation of the very people he is supposed to be helping, Kurtz's insatiable thirst for ivory and personal greed fuel his beliefs that he is practically a "deity" to the Africans, a man of unlimited power. However, this enigma of a man is not completely a character devoid of admirable qualities, for as has been insinuated from the beginning of the story, he is a man of immense knowledge and intelligence. Not only is he a "prodigy," as the brickmaker explains, he is also an eloquent writer and as previously mentioned, a gifted artist. In addition to the comparisons made above, Kurtz personally reminds me of Chillingworth from The Scarlet Letter. Just as Chillingworth is a man with a vast repertoire of books, Kurtz has proven himself far from illiterate. Additionally, both men are portrayed with physical deformities, suggesting a lacking in their moral character. Chillingworth is said to walk with a hunch while Kurtz is described as "withered," and both men possess numerous unflattering qualities. As Chillingworth plays a major role in Dimmesdale's demise, Kurtz is also the materialization of the evils of imperialism.
ReplyDeleteWhen you say that it's the Europeans' goal to "bring civilization" when referring to the oil sketching of a Lady, I believe that they did not fail in their mission. Looking back to the Phantom of Darkness, the colonist and stationers had no compassion or any guilt. Knowing that Kurtz had a mindset of European Supremacy when he entered the Congo, he executed precisely whatever plan he conjured. To bringing a progress to the Congo, yes, he failed miserably; yet, to whatever aspiration of civilizing the "brutes" or shall I say "extermination," he has done very well.
DeleteI like how you brought back the painting Kurtz painted and what it was supposed to symbolize. Also, good relations back to what characters said about Kurtz throughout the book. I agree with you with al your aspects.
DeleteI agree with you that Kurtz has very admirable qualities, but instead of being completely horrible do you feel that Kurtz is actually just human? As human beings we all crave power, so is it fair and just for us to judge Kurtz so harshly?
DeleteGreat analysis!I really like how you brought back the painting from a previous part of the book. Also, I wish that I had read Scarlet Letter because then I might better get your connection, but as far I can tell, you did a great job. I also agree with you about how Kurtz abuses his power and is so greedy.
DeleteWow this comment blew me away. It is interesting to think that personal riches have kept Kurtz's illusion about his power going for so long without him seeing the truth. It seems absolute power does indeed corrupt absolutely.
DeleteWhile his status as an incredibly intelligent prodigy could be a positive aspect, as you listed it, I believe one could also view it in a negative light. It is entirely possible that it was Kurtz's own brilliance that lead to his ambition, greed, and ultimate corruption.
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ReplyDeleteThe most condemning of Kurtz's idiosyncrasies is that he was in an association to suppress the Congolese culture and went into heart of darkness in a mindset that he must not just "civilize" the natives but in a way, oppress them. He finds no guilt in what he does, but I do find it interesting that we inquired that his rituals and dancing may be a sign of his MENTAL illness. The most redeeming of his qualities is his leadership. People appreciate him and praise him; nevertheless, the fact that the natives attacked the steamboat to keep Kurtz intrigues me. I cannot wait to find out why they have those feelings toward Kurtz.
ReplyDeleteKurtz reminds me of Saruman as this Godlike figure in the beginning of Lord of the Rings because of how Gandalf idolizes him, but we soon discover Saruman's true evil nature that joins the dark force of Sauron. Saruman and Kurtz both have leadership and diety-like qualities that crash and burn when the truth comes out. The audience first likes the characters then turns against them.
do you think Kurtz actually wants to "civilize" the congolese, because he does seem to be such a dark character that is so selfish and greedy so why would he care about others?
DeleteUnlike what you stated I don't think Kurtz had crashed and burned at all. He continues to keep his god-like status even when the truth is known about his nature because Marlow knew about the atrocities he committed and he still had still continued to have high respect for Kurtz.
DeleteI really like your analysis. Also, I agree with you, one of the most condemning things about him is how much he suppresses the Congolese culture. This is not right on any level. In addition, I think that his dancing do show that he has a mental illness. I really like how you brought his leadership into the category of a redeeming quality. I did not have that in mind. Instead I was seeing the flaws he had because of all the bad things he was doing, but you are right, he does have a strong leadership quality and the natives do seem to want to keep him. As for your connection, I do not exactly know much about Lord of the Rings, but I think you did an excellent job connecting them.
DeleteInteresting reference to Lord of the Rings, although like aaron, i dont think Kurtz crashed and burned. He still holds the most ivory and power in the Congo.
DeleteI agree that his involvement in the suppression of a culture is by far one of his most revolting aspects. "Civilization" and "suppression" are two very different things (in theory, although not necessarily in practice), and as a supposedly "gifted" person, Kurtz's actions are unforgivable.
DeleteKurtz, within the book, has varying qualities of both good and bad that can be seen. Out of these bad qualities the most condeming I noticed is in how he let himself be corrupted by his position in the Congo. He started his quest into the continent with ideas on how to gently suppress the native Congolese people and receive resources for the benefit of Europe, but he is slowly changed to where his whole life revolves around the desire for ivory and Kurtz also begins to want to kill all the "brutes" in contrast with his earlier thoughts. Even in these bad qualities, Kurtz is redeemable in the fact that he brings knowledge and new ideas to others and in the end, these people enjoy his presence so much that even the natives that he steals the resources from and wants to kill don't want him to leave the Congo. Thinking about characters who resemble Kurtz and the admission that he participated in "witch-like" ceremonies I can see a Kurtz character in the form of Abigail from The Crucible. Just like Kurtz, Abigail starts her charade of witches to escape the consiquences of getting caught, but over time she is drawn so far in to her deceit that she is mentally corrupted as well and likes the idea of having complete power over others.
ReplyDeleteI like that you point out the duality of Kurtz. People are often inclined to paint someone as all good or all evil, when in fact there are more sides to the story.
DeleteI love the connection to The Crucible! It's very likely that Kurtz has started some sort of spiritual charade of his own in order to influence the Congolese people.
DeleteKurtz is the epitome of what a European man was like towards the African during that time. He is selfish, conceited, and brainwashed with thoughts of ivory and overbearing the black people. Basically, he's fake. His foul personality allows himself to be presented as a God and be known throughout the whole nation as a hero and a wickedly smart and incredible figure. Yet he knows and Marlow finds out that that's quite the opposite. Sure, he's an "eloquent writer" and deserves all the praise for his persuasive abilities but what he seems to do with his redeeming qualities just puts him in a lower view again. His "my this my that" attitude is completely pig-like and perfectly defines his true character. A character similar to Kurtz could be Draco Malfoy. He's seen as a villian in Harry Potter and joins the "dark forces" as part of Slytherin. There are parts throughout the story that displays his positive attributes such as when he couldn't kill Dumbledore (even though he was seen as a weak figure, in this case his weakness in action was a strongness in morality). Draco could've grown up to be a regular Hogwarts student just like Harry or Ron but due to his background (just like Kurtz was inevitably a white prominent figure in a poor black nation) and his surroundings, his evil motives and actions were set in his mind (Kurtz also let power and greed take over his being). They both seem to be influenced by those around them and don't have the courage and/or ability to think otherwise.
ReplyDeleteAs soon as I saw you made a connection to Harry Potter, I had to read your response. I love that series! However, since you believe that Kurtz is acting in the way he does as a response to his surroundings and background, do you believe his behavior is justifiable?
DeleteAfter examining Kurtz’s character in further depth, he becomes a character that is easy to dislike. He has an initial façade of being good and then after close examination his deception is more clearly identified. He does have some redeemable qualities in that he initially came to the Congo to help the Congolese people and he had their best interests at heart. However, any redeeming qualities he once had seemed to have disappeared overtime. He eventually turns into this savage monster that is willing to destroy the Congolese people in order to pursue his own self interests. Oddly the native people see Kurtz as a god which could be his most condemning quality since is it undeserved and the way he uses his power as their god is immoral. Throughout literature there are a number of characters that draw parallels to the character of Kurtz from the Heart of Darkness. One example of a character similar to Kurtz would be Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights. Heathcliff when first introduced is marked for his great love for Catherine and then into the second half of the novel he becomes a bitter and malicious man. Kurtz in the same way is first seen and described as good and loving and then his dark side is then introduced.
ReplyDeleteThroughout parts one and two of the novel I have always guessed that the "heart of darkness" would have gotten to Kurtz. Nothing we discussed today in class surprised me. I sympathize with Kurtz, because although many of his condemning traits (manipulating, greedy, racist, etc.) drive the horrible acts he does, but although his actions might make him dark and evil I feel sympathy for him. He is human, the fight for power is engraved in all human beings making us greedy. Although I think his most redeeming characteristic is his charismatic (or manipulating) ways, because it can aid in bringing civilization to the native, but it was not used for good.
ReplyDeleteMost might laugh at my connection, but I think Edward Cullen can parallel Kurtz. Just like Kurtz Edward has many redeeming traits for example his intelligence, but when faced with temptations just like Kurtz (power/ivory)he gives in. When he meets Bella he knew that he should not have her, but he could not resist. Just like Kurtz who does not show much of any respect toward the natives Edward is the same, he doesn't give Bella any space or control of her life, thus disrespecting her. Cullen is revered, maybe even feared by everyone at Forks yet they are still so intrigued by him. The girls at Forks High are all obsessed with him just like the natives are toward Kurtz. All in all, although my connection is childish, but if a work of art such as Heart of Darkness could be connected to a idiotic book such as Twilight than HoD's Kurtz is an archetype.
Interestingly enough, something which your post reminded me about was the vampire archetype that Foster wrote about in How To Read Literature. Depicted by Foster as an older, sinister man who represents traditional ideals and preys on youthful, virginal women (who stand for new ideals which are slowly demolished), you could absolutely say Kurtz is a vampire. He epitomizes European entitlement attitude and feels no guilt in sucking away the once-innocent Africa's lifeblood by robbing the land (which is typically a symbol of female sexuality) of its ivory/resources and its people of their autonomy. If we ever find out more about how Kurtz treats his fiance, we might be able to go even further with the vampire archetype and apply it to Kurtz's own personal life.
Deleteof course twilight...it's an odd connection, but it works. At least, Edward attempted to resist, Kurtz do not care about anyone else and continues to possess ivory with any cost without hesitation.
DeleteI found Kurtz’s ability to control people, the natives, horrific. I also found his greediness disgusting. I believe that his most redeeming quality is his intelligence, though I wish he used it in a better way.... Another redeeming quality is that someone loves him, he has a fiance; this shows him to once be someone good and desirable. I see a Kurtz-like character in Prospero from The Tempest. Both Kurtz and Prospero are intelligent men who have power over others. In addition, both do not seem to use such power in a good way. Kurtz uses his power and intelligence to gain ivory, and Prospero uses his power to create a tempest to trap his enemies on the island with him to gain his revenge. I can only hope that Kurtz will end up like Prospero and give up his power to be a better person.
ReplyDeleteI really like your comparison to Prospero here! They both use their power to make people do what they want. Kurtz takes the ivory (what he wants) and Prospero brings the men so he can get revenge (what he wants)! I really like this insight!
DeleteConnecting Prospero and Kurtz was really good. Another way they are similar is that they are both seperated from society and in an unfamiliar area.
DeleteI can see the resemblance between Kurtz and Prospero. They both consider using their power for the good, but meanwhile, they also manipulate others in order to get what they want.
DeleteWhile Conrad initially presents Kurtz as a more sympathetic, somewhat more caring European, the reader discovers that portrayal is false. While Kurtz may have been a slightly kinder man initially, he has been totally corrupted by the darkness. Perhaps Kurtz's most condemning characteristic is that he allows to natives to revere him as a deity and participates in their ceremonies while advocating that Europeans "exterminate all the brutes." Kurtz clearly puts on a façade in front of the natives, causing them to fall under his spell. This manipulation is almost worse than that of any of the others as Kurtz is not as honest about it, and allows the natives to view him as good while secretly advocating genocide.
ReplyDeleteIt can be difficult to find a redeeming quality in Kurtz, however his fiancée in Europe shows that Kurtz is not an entirely heartless person. He is capable of love, just as almost all human beings are. This suggests that he has simply been corrupted by the jungle. Hopefully the existence of his intended shows that Kurtz is not entirely selfish.
Perhaps one good comparison to Kurtz is found in the Lord of the Rings series. Just as Kurtz was originally a good person corrupted by his greed for ivory, the ring corrupts anyone who has an extended exposure to it, leading that person to covet it more and more.
So, since Kurtz has a fiancee and has the capacity to love, do you think that his prejudice towards the natives was something slowly developed as a result of greed or a product of his upbringing.
DeleteThe characteristic that I found most revolting in Kurtz was the possessiveness that he had. He was very possessive over the ivory, the river, and the station. This was almost as if he was a conqueror. He was hording this ivory at a great expense to human life, which is completely revolting. I relate Kurtz to Mustapha Mond. They both believe that they are suppressing the savage in others. Kurtz believes that he is suppressing the savage in the natives as shown by his book, the Society for the Suppression of Savage Customs. Mustapha Mond is trying to protect his people from the savagery that is found on the Reservation. They also use other people in the way that they want them to be used and do not give them free will. Mustapha Mond creates people to be whatever he wants them to be by conditioning them. Kurtz uses people for ivory, and he is possessive of this. This ivory is not something that he will give up. Mustapha Mond does not really use the characters for his advantage, but he is still changing them like Kurtz is.
ReplyDeleteWhoa! Really nice connection to Mustapha Mond.. I must admit, he seemed like the king of the heart of darkness more than a conqueror to me. Do you think Marlow is fully aware of Kurtz's darkness and immoral state? If so, then why do you think Marlow would still want to be like Kurtz?
DeleteYour Mustapha Mond connection is really good and accurate! I like how you pointed out that Kurtz and Mond did not both act the same way, but they change the characters in the same manner. Do you think they feel obliged to change them or did it just naturally happen because of their leadership roles?
DeleteThere are many characteristics of Kurtz. Some are good and some are bad which is why he can be related to the Devil. To begin, Kurtz used to be good due to the fact that he was educated in England. The Devil also known as Lucifer used to be good because he was an angel at the beginning of his life. However, both Kurtz and the Devil were taken over by greed and power which turned them bad. Lucifer wanted more power than God, so that turned him towards greed to be the top person. Just like the Devil, Kurtz wants power. He wants to control the savages and the unvilicized area. Also, he is very greedy for ivory. Therefore, Kurtz is driven by power and the greed for ivory. Another connection is that they are in their own worlds with people that are considered "bad." Lucifer was cast down to hell so now he is the devil and he is with all the people that do terrible deeds and are full of sin. At the same time, Kurtz lives with the natives who are called the savages and are considered terrible people. All in all, Kurtz is similar to the devil due to his bad qualities that he possesses.
ReplyDeleteGood connection. I think that Kurtz's lust for power and ivory were the ultimate flaws in his character. I like that you pointed out the connection between where Kurtz resides and where the Devil resides. I would definitely consider Hell to be the heart of darkness.
DeleteI love the connection! Kurtz does represent many of the qualities of the devil, and I like how you compared what the devil's job is to what Kurtz is doing to the natives
DeleteConrad unravels some of the enigma in Part II regarding Kurtz, showing the duality of man. We see good light in Kurtz as he is described as a solid writer, educated individual in England, and an engaged man. This shows the high potential for Kurtz to use his sagacity and skills for good of the world. The fact that he has a fiance suggests he has feelings after all. However, Conrad reveals the ugly side of Kurtz: "The thing was to know what he belonged to, how many powers of darkness claimed him for their own" (44). Readers discover the gritty truth about Kurtz's involvement with the darkness: "He had taken a high seat amongst the devils of the land" (44). Although his involvement is obviously condemning, Kurtz's inability to control himself is the most condemning of all: "...had no restraint...just like Kurtz" (46). His greed for ivory has consumed his entire life; it fuels his reason for existence. Kurtz says, ""I went a little farther...till I had gone so far that I don't know how I'll ever get back" (50). Kurtz has crossed that line of taboo in achieving his satisfaction/avarice and now cannot go back. Kurtz's lack of restraint parallels Chillingworth's lack of control over his life. Revenge consumed him and ultimately ended his life. Perhaps Kurtz will share the same fate... Moreover, Kurtz reminds me of Antonio from The Tempest, as his actions were determined by his id. He went as far as usurping his own brother Prospero's right to dukedom.
ReplyDeleteI like how you included the example of Antonio because now I see that their actions were determined by the "id."
DeleteWe examined Kurtz' character closely today. What do you find most condemning? Most redeeming? Besides the connection to Gatsby & Breaking Bad that we looked at, where else do you see Kurtz-like characters? Applying literature and making connections! :)
ReplyDeleteKurtz' most condemning quality is his supposed genius. Kurtz is seen as a mysterious man whose most evident quality is his complex mind. This "evil" genius he possesses allows him to manipulate people such as the Congonese. This genius allows him to make the people of the Congo revere him as a God. Kurtz' most redeeming quality has to be the fact that he was at one point "good". As his fiancee pointed out, he has a good sided, humanitarian heart. This could be just another one of Kurtz' manipulations at work, but the reader cannot be sure. All we know is that there seems to be many different versions of Kurtz as described by people who have met him. I see Kurtz as a Galbatorix like character from the Inheritance trilogy. Galbatorix is a man of legend who has not been seen for ages. People only know myths about him and his power. This is similar to Kurtz as not many people know who he really is or what he is doing. Galbatorix's reign over the people of Alagaesia is that of a tyrant. He is an all-powerful man who cannot be dethroned. This is similar to Kurtz as well as he rules over the ivory and people of the Congo.
Do you think Kurtz's "good-sided, humanitarian" heart will ever prevail over his heart of darkness? Or is his humanitarian heart too late for salvation?
DeleteI like your connection to Galbatorix. They have so many similarities it's uncanny! Do you think that, like Galbatorix, Kurtz will feel a terrible end after finally feeling the pain he's caused to people over his life?
DeleteThat's is an interesting connection! I never knew how related they were.
DeleteThe characteristic of Kurtz that I found most condemning was the fact that he let the natives treat him as if he were a god. He is undeserving of their loyalty and praise. Kurtz participated in their ceremonies, and gained their affection to the point where they did not want to see him leave. Then, on the other hand, he tells the Europeans to "exterminate all the brutes". Kurtz let greed corrupt him completely. His lust for ivory destroyed his morals, and led him to destroy innocent human lives. As for a redeeming quality, I think it would have to be Kurtz's intelligence. He is described as a "prodigy". It is unfortunate that he couldn't use his intelligence to overcome the darkness. He came to the Congo with good intentions, yet let greed destroy his morals.
ReplyDeleteKurtz's character can relate to Tom Riddle, or Voldemort. Both men are very intelligent, we know Kurtz is a "genius", and Tom Riddle is described as an especially gifted wizard. Both men become very greedy for power, and their greed leads to destruction. Kurtz is obsessed with ivory, and Tom Riddle becomes obsessed with the idea of immortality, and let's nothing get in his way of obtaining it. In addition, both characters' descent into darkness has an affect on their physical being. Kurtz is sick. Tom Riddle's body transforms into something far from human as his behavior becomes increasingly barbaric. (Plus they're both bald!) Lastly, the men are seen as deities by their victims. The natives worship Kurtz, and as Tom gains power, he becomes known as Lord Voldemort.
I like your connection to Tom Riddle. I can see how the desire for greed changed both men, and therefore they descended into darkness. Great ideas!
DeleteI like how you pointed out Kurtz allows himself to be viewed as a god. It is a very condemning quality! I can't believe I missed a chance to talk about Harry Potter! Great job!
DeleteI love the Harry Potter connections! I think your analysis of their characters is very true, do you think that Kurtz's greed makes him more or less human than Voldemort's?
DeleteThat's a great comparison and it is very creative!Why do you think Kurtz is portrayed like this?
DeleteKurtz represents a normal and ambitious man who falls prey to the dangers of the wilderness. "Whatever he was, he was not common. He had the power to charm or frighten rudimentary souls." Here Marlow is describing Kurtz’s ability to influence that ensures him a place in history. He admires Kurtz’s power, but is not blindly attracted to it. However, even though throughout the novel we see all the bad qualities of Kurtz, he also is loved by his fiance, showing he is capable of showing affection and being loved. I think Kurtz in a sense is like Hester Prynne from the Scarlet Letter, who gives birth after committing adultery and struggles to create a new life of repentance and dignity. We also hear all the bad in Kurtz who could be trying to regain his dignity since he is battling a deadly illness!
ReplyDeleteI liked how you didnt just stick to the negative of Kurtz's Character, but also pointed out how he could be victimized. I makes Kurtz a more dynamic character!
DeleteI really liked and found it interesting of how you came out of the whole negativeness of Kurtz looked at him in a more positive light. It gave an insight on the possibility of the goodness of Kurtz outweighing the badness in the future.
DeleteWhen I was answering this question, I only focused on the negative qualities of Kurtz. But I like how you elaborated on his goodness.
DeleteI liked how you talked about some positive characteristics about Kurtz, like how he is loved by his fiance, which does show that he has some sort of "true light" in him. Elaborating on his goodness made me think a lot more about his character and background.
DeleteOur comments were somewhat similar in that we both pointed out the duality of Kurtz's nature; he is, essentially, good and evil.
DeleteKurtz is a difficult character to understand, and he is therefore a difficult character to either love or hate. I believe that as we learn more about him and the things that have brought him to this point, we will be able to make fairer judgments about his character.
ReplyDeleteThus far, however, I believe the hastily scrawled "Exterminate all the brutes!" on his report is his most condemnable aspect. This shows that Kurtz is a rash man who has let whatever insanity has overtaken him to severely affect his judgment to the point of genocide. Although we cannot be sure of the reasons for his other actions, we can assume that there is never a valid explanation for wanting to exterminate an entire race.
I believe that his most redeeming aspect is his intelligence, despite the corruption it has brought him. Through his giftedness and the power of words, Kurtz can bring good to Africa, if he so chooses. Perhaps, if he can be convinced of the harm the European presence has brought to both the Europeans and the Africans, Kurtz can utilize his power to fix the unfixable.
Through our connection of Marlow and Kurtz to Nick and Gatsby, I was able to connect Kurtz to Neal Caffrey of White Collar. Neal is a suave criminal who consistently commits crimes and yet is never on the bad side of his audience: not matter what he does, we cannot help but root for him. Likewise, Peter Burke, an FBI agent, often subverts the law in order to help Neal. In this manner, Peter is like Marlow: someone who is enchanted by this mysterious, gifted, and damaged character. Neal is also like Kurtz due to his ability to talk his way out of (or into) anything. He is an extremely intelligent person who has power that he often uses for bad (and sometimes uses for good).
I agree that his most condemning characteristic is that he is very "rash" because he said he wanted to exterminate a whole race.
DeleteDo you think he the insanity that he has was already a defining characteristic within him, or did he change while in the Congo? I like your connection to Neal Caffrey. Along those lines, you could also say Dexter Morgan from Dexter in this context, because he was well constantly murders people, but the audience still enjoys his character.
DeleteI like the most redeeming character that you chose for Kurtz, his intelligence can bring goodness where he wants it to.
DeleteThe most condemning characteristic of Kurtz is the fact that he treats the natives like they aren't even people. Kurtz wrote the "International Society for the Suppression of Savage Customs," which is probably the most racist name if a paper I have ever heard. Kurtz thinks that whites "must appear to them in the nature of supernatural beings" (Conrad, 45). His most redeeming characteristic is that he is very driven. Even though it does seem that he is obsessed with obtaining ivory, he still gets the most out of all of the "bases" in the Congo. Another character in literature that is like Kurtz is Count Olaf from the Series of Unfortunate Events because all of the relatives talk about him but they have never met him. When the orphans ask about Count Olaf, she knows all about her neighboor, even though she never talks to him. When the brick maker and manager talk about Kurtz, they don't really know anything about him except for the fact that he has the job they want.
ReplyDeleteInsightful! I never thought about it that way.
DeleteI like your redeeming characteristic. I really agree that he is driven and it allows him to be successful.
DeleteKurtz’s most condemning trait is that he treats natives cruelly and emotionlessly. He does not care about anyone as long as he possesses his obsession of ivories. He would do anything to acquire them without any hesitation of a doubt. Nevertheless, Kurtz is an intelligent who represent all of Europe and he is passionate and determined in achieving his goal. I found his characteristics similar to the witch from The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Kurtz encompass the ability to manipulate others with words. Likewise, the witch manipulates Edmund in revealing their plan and reveals where they are hiding. The witch did not hesitate. She did not blink when she turns the animals into stone and did not hesitate when she killed Aslan. She will do anything necessary in order to call herself the ‘Queen of Narnia.’ Both the witch and Kurtz know the weakness of their prey and manipulates it obtain their goal.
ReplyDeleteI think kurtz is the very personification of corruption and what it does to people. The way he treats the natives ie: drying their heads on fence posts, shows that he doesn't see them as equal. They were described as "rebels" and he killed them for it. I don't see us murdering holsters when they wear what they want :P he also shows ALOT of greed, specifically the fact that his dying wish was to protect the ivory. Even the way this guy looks personifies corruption, he was so obsessed with his wealth, he didn't take care of himself. While I was reading I imagined darth Sideous from starwars (hes the emperor for those who may not know) . On he flip side ie almost shows a hint of the American dream, even though hes English. His drive pushed him all the way to where he was when he was actually healthy. He had the whole continent at his fingertips, so to speak.
ReplyDeleteOH HEY. Someone else used Star Wars. I guess I won't be using that then. Far too mainstream. Anyway, I liked your description of Kurtz as "corrupt." It makes me wonder whether he came to the Congo like that or if the freaky jungle darkness magic did it to him.
DeleteI do think that Kurtz becomes corrupted! the darkness that surrounds him in the Congo corrupts him!
DeleteKurtz himself is a very complex character. Initially he is seen as a gifted man that is in the Congo with a sense of morals or values, but this image shifts. He has become incredibly materialistic and self centered, only looking for personal gain. As Marlow says, "You would think there was not a single tusk left either above or below the ground in the whole country (pg 44)." On the surface he appears to be a rather good guy, but on the inside you can see the evil and destruction in his eyes. I connected Kurtz to President Snow from the Hunger Games. On the surface, Snow is a well put together and respected man, but the "savages" (districts) know better. Snow is manipulative and cruel, and he is associated with blood and roses. He poisons people and to cover his tracts he sometimes eats the same dish they ate, and then takes an antidote. Therefore he has constant sores in his mouth that never heals, so he uses roses to cover up the smell of blood. Much the same, Kurtz gets what he wants for exploiting others, and his actions are "covered" by his "gift". Kurtz is this "higher power" (as he says so on page 45, "must necessarily appear to them [savages] in the nature of supernatural beings") that exploits the "savages" (or, in the Hunger Games, the districts) to only further increase his wealth. Kurtz sucks the life out of the region much as President Snow does in Panem. But, it is important to note, President Snow is considered very beautiful to everyone except Katniss. She sees him as a very cold and frighting character, and this connects to Marlow and how he sees Kurtz in a different light than everyone else as well.
ReplyDeleteI like the connection to Snow. Both men's power hungry attitudes lead not only to the destruction of others, but also the destruction of themselves. Kurtz's sickness may eventually lead to his death.
DeleteI love the Hunger Games reference! And I love the connection you made to Snow, especially when talking about the roses to cover up the smell of blood. Both of the men's appearances don't reveal their true selves. Kurtz's put-together appearance is his "rose" covering up the corrupt and blood-stained soul underneath. Good connection!
DeleteLove your Hunger Games reference and connection to Snow! I had a hard time trying to figure out modern connections and didn't even realize that he is just like Kurtz. Both believe that they're doing the right thing in their areas and both ar emen of power and greed. Great insight!
DeleteI think that Kurtz' most condemning characteristic is that he is not strong enough to resist the temptation of Africa and changing. Before coming to the Congo, Kurtz is spoken of as a kind hearted man with a passion for helping the Congolese instead of hurting them. However, he allows Africa and the temptation and greed of ivory to overtake him and change who he is. But, I do think that Kurtz' ability to make people like him his most redeeming characteristic. This helps him succeed and build relationships with the Congolese and survive in the jungle. I think that Kurtz can be connected to Gale from The Hunger Games trilogy. At first, Gale is passionate about liberating Panem, but the power of being a leader in the rebellion gets to his head and he makes reckless decisions and ends up hurting the people he loves most.
ReplyDeleteI really liked how you connected Kurtz to Gale, i would have never put that connection together.
DeleteI love the hunger games reference! At first Gale started out being one of the leaders of the rebellion, but in the end he basically abandons Katniss and everyone else. Similiar to what Kurtz did, he's not all what he appears to be
DeleteThe major difference between Kurtz and Gale is that Kurtz does not seem to care about anyone. His decissions are more abusive than reckless. I do like how you pointed out that Gale changes because The audience's view of Kurts Changes the more we get to know him. In a way, both characters seem less noble when we see their true colors.
DeleteI love your Hunger Games reference! Do you think Kurtz started out with good intentions like Gale had or do you think he was always corrupt?
DeleteThe most condemning quality of Kurtz in my opinion is his hypocrisy towards the development of the Congo. At first , the audience is presented with a painting of Kurtz's, depicting a woman bringing light to a dark uncharted place (Just as we thought he was attempting to do in the Congo. However, after the section that we read in class, we find out that Kurtz is just like every other European influence on a foreign country (after all all of Europe helped create Kurtz). He is no longer depicted as a modest savior, but now as a power hungry man who wants helpless people in which he has begun to control to worship him. He is only interested in greed and wealth and power, completely oblivious to all the harm he is causing to the Congolese people along the way. I related the Kurtz character to a trivial book series, Pretty Little Liars. Allison, one of the main characters, gains her power by manipulating and controlling everyone in her life. She has no concern for those emotions of others, but only for her insane desire to achieve a higher standard.
ReplyDeleteI like and agree your relation to Kurtz and Allison! Both of them just care about themselves and no one else.
DeleteLove your response to Pretty Little Liars. It really makes a lot of sense by connecting the two with the struggles they face through manipulation and control. Awesome!
DeleteInsightful example! I like how you took a classic novel and found a relevant connection to a more recent series.
DeleteWhen we first begin to read the book, we percieve Kurtz as an all mighty genius, philanthroper, and a prodigy. However, as the novel proceeds, we see that Kurtz isn't what he was put out to be. We see that he is a racist and arrogant, "My intended, my ivory, my station, my river-" (Conrad44). On the lighter side, we do see that Kurtz first main intention was to come and civilize the savages, " By the simple excersize of our will we can exert a power for good practically unbounded" (Conrad 45) and he had been an educated young man from England who came for the "good of the natives". I related Kurtz to the wizard from the Wizard of Oz. We hear the munchkins talk about how he is such a wonderful wizard and all powerful and Dorothy is eager to meet him because she thinks he can help her. In the end, the wizard is a meek, man hiding behind a mask who was nothing like the munchkins had spoken of. Kurtz and the Wizard of Oz are both great men who were not percieved as they truly were.
ReplyDeleteI like your connection! If you look at the Wizard after seeing Wicked, then he DEFINITELY resembles Kurtz. Both have the goal of civilizing the natives. In Wicked, the Wizard suppresses the voice of the animals and turns these intelligent creatures into animals, like Kurtz did to the natives. Neither prove to be good people in the end, despite all the hype surrounding them. Good connection :)
DeleteThe most condemning thing about Kurtz is his inability to feel compassion towards those that are different. To those that are like him, he is a hero, a prodigy, and an overall inspirational man. To those that are different, like the Congolese, he is a wretched thief with a lack of concern for human life. On the other hand, Kurtz has goodness inside of him. He began his trek into the Congo as a good, honest, educated man. The circumstances he found himself in dictated who he became. Another Kurtz-like character I’ve seen would be Dr. Xavier from X-Men. They are both bald, have an English education, and they surround themselves with “savages”. They both have “gifts” that demand attention; their minds. Xavier’s mind allows him to read others’ minds and thereby control them. Kurtz’ sheer intellect allows him to gain others’ trust and through that control them. The final connection between the two is the fact that they both have a dark side. They start out taking necessary evils to do what must be done, but Kurtz ends up going overboard. Xavier used his mind to handicap Jean. This “dark side” had the benefit of protecting herself and others from her true power. Kurtz is working in the Congo, and he started out as a decent guy. He was virtuous and amiable. However, his job corrupted him as he developed a greed for money and power.
ReplyDeleteWow, our posts follow each other and we both make a reference to the "dark side", though from two different stories. I like how you compare Kurtz's gift with Dr. Xavier. Both have superior mental ability that gives them power and influence over others.
DeleteKurtz is a character with both good and bad qualities. His most condemning quality, like that of most whites in the area, is his racism that contrasts with the proximity he has with the natives. In his writing, Kurtz refers to the natives saying whites need to “exterminate the brutes” but has been known to “preside at certain midnight dances ending in certain unspeakable rites”, most likely with the natives. This shows a major character flaw. Kurtz is a hypocrite. His only redeeming quality is his intelligence because it inspires and enlightens others. Even this intelligence, however, is used negatively when he exploits natives or writes “a beautiful piece” that condemns the native people of the Congo. Kurtz reminds me of Anakin Skywalker because he has the potential to help the people of the Congo by using his intelligence and ability to interact with them to share their story with the rest of the world, but instead he joins the ranks of their enemy and exploits them. The reader cannot help but hope that Kurtz will be an honest man, but once we get to know him, we see that he too has “Joined the Dark Side” (guess he wanted the cookies, or um, ivory…).
ReplyDeleteI was just about to use a Star Wars reference in my post but I see here that you appear to have done it first. But yeah, I agree with you when you say that Kurtz is a ruthlessly intelligent character who contradicts himself as to his attitude towards the natives.
DeleteFor the first half of the book, Kurtz was glorified and Marlow was willing to go against his beliefs and lie for him without ever knowing him. However Marlow's opinion changes at the end of part two when Kurtz's greed begins to show. Because he was a great writer and charmer, he has received godlike emulation from the natives. The things Kurtz writes however show that he is actually not kind towards the natives, particularly since the thing he writes for is called "The International Society for Suppression of Savage Customs." He also added in that they need to "exterminate the brutes " which shows how he does not see them as people but rather things to get rid of. This new description of Kurtz shows how dark and corrupt he is. It is possible that this area is called the heart of darkness because Kurtz is one of the darkest people and therefore is inflicting more suffering than others and collecting ivory that goes unused.
ReplyDeleteKurtz's character can be related to Sargent Brody from Homeland, because Brody, a former marine, is regarded by all as being a great hero, when in actuality his actions are not heroic. Brody, having been a prisoner of war that returned to America is regarded as being a great patriot when he truly hares America. This can be related to Kurtz because everyone around Kurtz believes he is a great brilliant man who is admirable for the amount of ivory he collects even though it is an evil thing he is doing. Brody similarly is regarded in high esteem for surviving being a POW however he did something Americans would consider evil which is teaching terrorists English and gaining a relationship with a terrorist. Both men commit evil acts but are seen as godlike still, Brody is a candidate for president while the natives look at Kurtz like a god. Both men take advantage of the naive attitudes of the people they are in charge of.
As we saw in class, Kurtz isn't the wonderful man people said he was. He's done terrible and shady things, but the most condemning quality of Kurtz is his lack of restraint to withstand temptation. He originally wanted to bring civilization to the natives, which could also be seen as a condemning quality. The temptation of money and wealth led him to change his goal to making as much money as possible. I found that Kurtz is similar to Judge Claude Frollo from The Hunchback of Notre Dame (of course, I am referring the Disney adaptation). In the beginning of the movie, Frollo is described as someone who wanted to rid the world of wickedness and sin, like how Kurtz wanted to civilize the "savages" in the Congo. Both become corrupted due to temptation. With Frollo, his judgement becomes clouded due to his lust for Esmeralda, and with Kurtz, his judgement becomes clouded by his greed. Both, in pursuing their temptations, end up destroying peoples lives. Frollo threatens to even burn down all of Paris in order to find Esmeralda, and on his quest to find her, he imprisons many gypsies and attempts to burn a family alive in their own home. Kurtz works these natives to the breaking point, causing many of them to die (figuratively and literally). Also, the most condemning quality of both is their lack of restraint against temptation.
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning of the story, we perceived kurtz as a character we were curious and interested to find out about. Throughout reading the story, we learned what kind of a character he really is. He is a greedy and hypocritical person. I feel like his most condemning characteristic would be his hypocrisy. Also, He only cares about himself and succeeding in life. He say "MY intended, MY ivory, MY station, MY river, MY - everything belonged to him" He is greedy in wanting everything to make him look good.
ReplyDeleteHe is a hypocrite because he supposedly is trying to be friendly with the natives but he wants to "exterminate" them. He also seems 2 faced, he shows one side to the natives and another side to the white people.
Nice use of quotes! It makes Kurtz's overall intentions very clear and shows how greedy he really is.
DeleteI also included the quote 'my intended, my station..' in my response. I used it to show the selfishness of Kurtz but I like how you took a step further to suggest that the quote shows that he is being a hypocrite.
DeleteAs we learn more about Kurtz, I start to dislike him more and more as we continue reading and learning more of his true character. What I find most condemning about his character is his possessiveness, greediness, and treatment towards the Congolese people. Evening though Kurtz originally came to the Congo with good intentions of helping out and benefitting both the Congo and his own country (which was one of his redeeming qualities), he became exposed to the "darkness" of the region and started to slip under it himself. He forces the Congolese people to work for him (though strangely they don't want him to leave) for his own benefit. He is so obsessed with ivory and taking ownership of everything in the region that it shows his possessiveness and greed of bringing only himself all the glory: "'My Intended, my ivory, my station, my river, my--.'" Despite all of these negative features, his most redeeming quality would be his intellect and eloquent writing. Kurtz is seen as a "prodigy" with high intelligence (got an education) who has immense power that others envy. His expertise in writing shows how skillful he is in communicating his beliefs and opinions to the public with persuasiveness and confidence. Even with these amazing qualities, I feel like that Kurtz is becoming more and more a part of the darkness and about to be fully consumed (or perhaps he already is) which refers to the idea: "Everything belonged to him--but that was a trifle. The thing was to know what he belonged to, how many powers of darkness claimed him for their own." The first Kurtz-like character that popped into my head was the character Sephiroth from Final Fantasy (even though it's not exactly literature, it's story line is very intricate, complex, and deep). Sephiroth, like Kurtz, was an intelligent man who had a reputation of being great (1st ranked general in Soldier). Sephiroth was a good guy at first who protected his world and the people in it, but he soon changed into an evil and dark person after finding out a dark secret about his true self that led him to want to control everything and the world. Just like how Sephiroth was a good person who got consumed in darkness, so is Kurtz who originally had "good intentions", but got pulled into the darkness of greed and power.
ReplyDeleteI love Final Fantasy and your reference to Sephiroth as a more modern parallel to Kurtz. You mention quite a few condemning characteristics instead of just one, so I assume you weigh these sins equally against his character. Kurtz is awfully hypocritical, but we don't yet know what happened to make him this way. Yes, he was eloquent, educated, and charismatic; so were many of history's most famous (or infamous) world leaders and conquerors. It's that charisma and learning that has poisoned his soul and the African societies; with a practiced tongue, he could get anything he wanted from the Congolese people like a Colonial Age Cicero. With his intelligence but careful poise, he can make them walk to his beat without question. Conrad mentions that Kurtz was educated all across Europe, giving him the diversity needed for leadership and the vast prejudice required for conquering.
DeleteKurtz is an interesting character simply because he's not your average colonist. He goes against the European stereotype of a dishonest, greed-ridden exploiter. That's not to say that Kurtz ISN'T greed-ridden or exploitative; he's just honest about it. He has no misguided ideals of civilizing the indigenous people of the Congo; his ideals are pretty well stated by his desire to "Exterminate the brutes!" His character is very much that of a European colonist, as described by the quotation, "Everything belonged to him." Ironically, I find this to be his most redeeming trait. He doesn't sugar coat what he thinks about the natives, he uses no excuses as to what he wishes to do with them and their resources (kill and steal, respectively.) All the more strange, then, why the natives seem to view him as some sort of god. On the subject of Kurtz-like characters elsewhere, I'm reminded of The Jackal from the popular game that no one played: Far Cry 2 (namely because the game was based off "Heart of Darkness.") Rather than an ivory agent, The Jackal is an arms dealer. The fact that his weapons are taking the lives of numerous Africans doesn't stop the various African groups from purchasing his guns and idolizing him for his selection and resourcefulness, thus showing him as a parallel to the destructive godlike idol that Kurtz appears to be. That's about all. Now I have an excuse to go play video games. Bye.
ReplyDeleteI found it interesting that you viewed Kurtz' honesty as a redeeming quality. Perhaps Kurtz used this point himself in order to justify his own actions and thoughts and separate himself from the other stereotypical European exploiters.
DeleteIf Kurtz is an honest colonist who won't hide the fact that he desires to wipe out the natives and swindle away all Africa's resources, wouldn't that make him a conqueror? He's not even pretending to be philanthropic, and most conquerors care little of their impact on other places. Not that colonists are much better, but at least the European colonists are attempting to 'civilize' the brutes instead of outright destroying them. And why do the natives seem him as a god, despite the fact that he wants to murder them all in the name of white supremacy?
DeleteI find that his greed and god-like behavior is most condemning, because he wants to take everything and make it his, but he is performing this action in a way that the Africans think he is righteous and all-knowing. The problem is that everything the Africans believe is a lie, because even in his book he says, "exterminate all the brutes!" This shows he does not really respect the Africans as they think he does.
ReplyDeleteI would not say he has a redeeming quality to him, but he is able to write extraordinarily. He is well educated, which makes him more humanized than the Africans.
A character I think is most like Kurtz is the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. They are both mysterious and all-knowing, but they are also mad. You do not know whether to trust them or not, and they both have qualities that make you praise them. For an example, Alice wants to talk to the Cheshire Cat to know how to get back home, but he is vague in how he describes to get home. Kurtz has characteristics that make Marlow want to trust him because he believes that Kurtz could be the only moral one around. Marlow's theories, however, are only there because people have told him about Kurtz. He has not met Kurtz officially yet.
I like how you stated the juxtaposition between him and a god-like character. Shows the amount of power he has.
DeleteAt this point in the novel, Kurtz still remains an unknown character. He has a varitey of virtues and vices (some of which, may not be directly evident to the reader). The fact that he is viewed as such a mysterious, questionable character, the reader is forced to absorb only the opinions of certain characters about Kurtz. According to most, he is an arrogant, greedy, self-serving colonist who is more concerned with obtaining more land than protecting people inside its borders. However, he is also prasied and very well known across much of Africa. He can easily be compared to Jean Valjean from Les Miserables due to the fact that he has committed some obtrocities yet is actually a good and wholesome person deep down.
ReplyDeleteWow,your statement concerning how most people viewed Kurtz is really mind opening. I always thought he was viewed by most as being a man of honor.
DeleteI find Kurtz's greed and hypocritical behavior the most condemning about him. He went into the Congo wanting to find adventure and himself, like Marlow, but has become a man filled with greed, selfishness, wealth and power. He's acting in a way that he believes in just and right. He believes that he is an omnipotent man bringing "light" into the Congo. Its ironic because although Kurtz is participating in the native-like rituals and ceremonies, in his book he states, "Exterminate all the brutes!" This reveals Kurtz's true nature and how he sees the natives as savages and animals, yet he also, has become savage like, like the natives. In the movie, I Love You, Beth Cooper, the main character, Denis, is in love with Beth, a girl that he's never talked to but have only seen from afar. Hes fallen in love with the bits and pieces of her that he has seen and heard about her, but after he spends some time with her, he realizes that he has created an illusion of her in his mind; that she's not who he thought she was. All this time, he had praised and illuminated this illusion of her in his mind and that illusion came crashing down as soon as he saw who she really was. This movie is similar to the Gatsby reference, because like Gatsby, Denis praises an illusion of Beth, as Gatsby with Daisy and Marlow with Kurtz. Marlow has created this illusion of Kurtz in his mind with the things he's heard and made up in his mind, but I'm assuming that in the end, Marlow will soon realize that Kurtz is not a man of righteousness and praise, but a man of greed, cruelty and corruption.
ReplyDeleteFrom the onset, the character of Kurtz is one of admiration. For this reason, we see Marlow almost falling in love with the idea of Kurtz due to word-of-mouth, without even meeting him. Nevertheless, this view of a selfless man is shattered after we learn a little more about him. I would say that his greed and hunger for power is a characteristic I find most condemning. Nonetheless, this is something we see driving the European nations. Kurtz makes statements such as: "'My ivory... My intended, my ivory, my station, my river..." and is then described as taking a "high seat amongst the devils of the land". Associating him with the devil, totally throws me off balance. The image we see is not the image we thought we would see. Although he uses it for evil, a redeeming characteristics,is his power of persuasion and ability to charm people. By having this power, Kurtz has power to solely change the brutality taking place; he chooses to exercise it for his own personal desires. The imagery of ivory everywhere, brings up the idea that Kurtz might be a major factor precipitating the death of many elephants.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Kurtz cannot only be likened to a specific character, but to a society as a whole. I mean this, because I see Kurtz as being a representation of the Brave New World society. Marlow in this case would be John. Marlow and John have never really experienced this mysterious world and person, yet they are very much excited. At last, when they do experience this enigma, they find so much darkness. Kurtz is found to be filled with some ugly characteristics, just like the BNW society is filled with unfairness and an encroachment on human rights.
I liked how you connected Marlow with John in that they both haven't seen the world and are exploring and experiencing the sins of Humanity. Good job.
DeleteTowards the end of part 2, Marlow's admiration for Kurtz slowly changes to disappointment when he learns more about Kurtz. Moreover, Kurtz was initially described as a character whom everyone revered. However, his selfishness and obsession with material possessions are eventually revealed, 'my ivory, my intended, my station, my river' (Conrad 44). I think that such a twist creates a parallel between Kurtz and Marlow. For instance, while Marlow is portrayed as a generous and honest character who 'despises lies', his selfishness is later revealed through his dull reaction toward the helmsman's death. Therefore, the two characters definitely undergo a characteristic transformation.
ReplyDeleteWhen I noticed Kurtz's real character, he reminded me of O'Brien from George Orwell's 1984. While O'Brien is revered by others for being this powerful man, he, just like Kurtz, actually turns out to be this ill-intended person who has an obsession with power.
Kurtz' true intentions and characteristics are finally reveled as we finally discover his true nature. Kurtz' most condemning quality would be his lack of compassion for the natives. "Exterminate all the brutes!", he states in contempt for the native culture which he views as animalistic and inferior. He condemns himself through his writings in which he regards himself and his fellow European explorers as deities to be worshipped. The only redeeming quality of Kurtz is the fact that his transformation into this greed-driven monster may have been an inevitability, even to a psychological extent. Dwelling within the heart of darkness itself, Kurtz was consumed by his desire and eventually by his obsession with power. "...an ivory ball... it had taken him, loved him, embraced him, got into his veins, consumed his flesh, and sealed his soul." This transformation from a well-educated proper man to heartless man is a result of Kurtz' surrounding himself with greed, violence, and power as well as isolating himself from modern society. In Philip Zimbardo's psychology experiment, he discovered that people will eventually internalize the roles they play, essentially changing their personalities altogether. From this perspective, Kurtz' transformation was nothing but inevitable, and his corruption could easily have occurred to any other person. I find a Kurtz-like character in Shane, from The Walking Dead. Imprisoned in a world where the desire to survive the zombie outbreak challenges human morality, Shane eventually finds himself corrupted. Much like Kurtz, Shane was a decent man brought down to darkness by the environment around him. Constantly on the run from the dead and surrounded by death itself, Shane loses his humanity.
ReplyDeleteKurtz is an interesting character in that he has the gifts of charisma and intellect, yet uses them in his manipulation and writings to fuel his condemning qualities of prejudice and increased greed. As aforementioned, Kurtz is described as being an eloquent speaker and writer as Marlow mentions,"The man presented himself as a voice," and is remarked as being a "universal genius (Conrad 60). Likewise, initially, we like to think of Kurtz as being a moral person and of good virtue to justify Marlow's growing infatuation with him, and his steadfast determination to meet him. However, as we are revealed to more darkness as Marlow and his crew get closer to Kurtz and are revealed to the growing darkness of Marlow, Kurtz true colors are shown almost abruptly as he his shown as being consumed with greed evident in his statements of "my ivory," and most repulsive of all his citation, " Exterminate all th brutes!" revealing his increased prejudice.
ReplyDeleteSimilar to Kurtz, Hitler was also a man with great charisma and argubly intellgence as he was able to lower germany's unemployment rate significantly to the point of undersupply of workers which can greatly be attributed to the encampment of the jews. Nevertheless, Hitler used his ability to inspire and the voice in books such as Mein Kampf to lead one of the most tragic injustices the world has ever seen, the holocaust. Similarly, we also see Kurtz resolved to commit such injustices likewise as he states the phrase, "Exterminate all the Brutes" (Conrad 60).
Unlike others, I saw no redeeming qualities in the descriptions of Kurtz. Yes, he started with good intentions, but how is that redeeming what he's done? It doesn't change who he is now, and whatever shreds of morality he used to have are dried up in wells of corruption and avarice. Yes, he is intelligent and well-educated, but those are neutral attributes, tools in a person's arsenal. His knowledge is a weapon he wields in suppressing the brutes, making it another bad aspect of his personality. He controls them as if by magic, exploits their resources as an anathema on the land, and greedily seeks to possess all things for his own. Whatever good intentions or skills he obtained through his life are soldiers in his conquest of the ivory trade and Africa itself. Most condemning is his greed, a savage hunger for ivory wealth and the worship of the natives under his spell, which I believe will be his downfall in the end. This greed is a vice upon his soul, holding back what little of his humanity that darkness hasn't consumed, which makes Kurtz thirst to exploit the natives and his own natural, prodigious skill to possess more. Saruman from Lord of the Rings is similar in this sense. Saruman the White (or, in the books, Saruman of Many Colors) is the leader of Middle Earth's five wizards, who are meant to be forces for good and balance. Unfortunately, the Dark Lord Sauron (the Heart of Darkness) tempted Saruman with more power than he could ever achieve as a mere wizard. Though Saruman was once good, like Gandalf and the other wizards, he looked into the darkness and allowed it to consume him, making him into a being of power-lust and the need to conquer and destroy all who oppose him and his master's will.
ReplyDeleteIt is very interesting to me that you see no redeeming quality in Kurtz. This makes me reexamine what I believe to be considered truly "redeeming" as opposed to simply attempting to find something good midst all the bad.
DeleteKurtz is, of course, one of the most, if not the only the one other than Marlow, interesting characters in the Heart of Darkness. Kurt, in a way, represents the duality of human nature. Kurtz becomes a writer and, later journeys to the congo in hopes of civilizing the savages; however, even Kurtz notes that they "most necessarily appear to them [natives] in the nature of supernatural beings" (Conrad iBooks 51). Another quote that demonstrates his dual nature is "he had the power to charm or frighten rudimentary souls into an aggravated with-dance in his honor." The most redeeming factor to Kurtz, as a whole, is the fact that he has a heart as seen through his works in the Congo; he did something for and with the natives, which causes the natives to wish for his stay in the Congo and attack of Marlow's Steamship: "They don't want him to go." In other words, Kurtz has some kind of charity in his life that would make the natives like or, perhaps, love him. On the other hand, Kurtz has a demonic characteristic of the European savages in the congo: greed. He, ultimately, instead of civilizing the natives, tangels himself in "Ivory?," "Heaps of it, stacks of it." Overall, Kurtz probably has a good reason for going to the Congo: helping the people; however in the Congo, he must have been tempted by the darkness of the hissing river, allowing the river to change his course in the Congo for greed of wealth and power.
ReplyDeleteKurtz is one of those characters that despite his condemning qualities, people still admire and respect him. His most condemning trait will have to be his greed. Kurtz first went to the jungle with pure intentions in his heart. However, as he continued to get more ivory and more money, the jungle "fever" took over. Now, he is the richest, most influential station in the Congo and even has the natives' respect, so much that they "don't want him to leave." This is most redeeming quality - the fact that he can maintain respect and gain it from people easily. His eloquence and intelligence make him seem almost above his sins. Kurtz has been compared to other fictional characters like Gatsby, however, he can also be compared to real-life people. Although his acts may not be considered as extreme, Kurtz can be compared with Hitler. Like Kurtz, Hitler managed to gain the respect of millions of people and got them to look at his misdeeds as justified.
ReplyDeleteI like your connection of Kurtz to Hitler in that he had the ability to charm the masses into believing what he was saying. Great point!
DeleteThe most condemning thing learned about Kurtz in this section is his lack of restraint. It is this lack of restraint documented by Marlow that leads Kurtz to hastily scrawl in "'Exterminate the brutes!'" (Conrad 62) at the bottom of his report. He did not possess the restraint to prevent the desire for riches to overtake his mind and leave it an "ivory ball" (Conrad 59) from his good intentions of the past. While it is easy to justify Kurtz's fall as one of simple survival, the bundles of ivory he has demonstrates this lack of restraint and leaves the reader to ask whether Kurtz will ever stop in his pursuit for riches much like Walter White from Breaking Bad. The one redeeming quality I view in Kurtz is his eloquence with words. He is able to convinced the natives he is oppressing that his presence in their land is so helpful that Marlow and his men get attacked because of it. Kurtz has an ability to speak in a way that others feel obligated to listen, and this could potentially be his saving grace should he decide that he will return to the ways of the gang of virtue. Kurtz like characters are seen all throughout literature and have recently infiltrated popular culture as well. In the 2009 film Law Abiding Citizen, the main character of Clyde Alexander Shelton has his home broken into and his wife and child murdered. Because of a broken legal system, those who killed them are let free. Shelton spends the entirety of the movie hunting down those involved in this injustice from the criminals to the officials of the court themselves. As he murders more and more, it becomes harder for the audience-Marlow-to justify his actions. At the end, the death of Shelton at his crimes becomes his redemption in a manner as he prevents himself from spreading the inferno in his heart any more. Will this be how the tale of Kurtz ends?
ReplyDeleteThe condemning qualities that Kurtz has is his treatment of the natives. They see him as a god, someone who came to the Congo to save them. This is not true, he came to the Congo to exploit their resources and he mas manipulated the people's minds. When Marlow asks why the natives attacked his shipthe sailor who was with Kurtz states, " They don't him to go" (Conrad 67). This shows how much of a grip Kurtz has on native people. There are no redeeming qualities to Kurtz at this point. The way he speaks and writes has allowed him to manipulate not only the natives but also Marlow himself. His paintings and drawings has portrayed him as a "intelligent" man. Kurtz can be related to Claus from the Vampire Diaries. In season 2, Claus is just a name that isn't dared to be spoken of and all people know is what they hear of the Original Vampire. Similarily, all people know of Kurtz is what is heard. When Claus is revealed in season 3 he is manipulative and destructive unlike anybody could have imagined. Also, Kurtz has shown himself to be very manipulative in order to get what he wants: ivory; just like Claus will do anything to get Elena's blood.
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