Thursday, October 11, 2012
The Enigma of Kurtz
DUE MONDAY: Kurtz is somewhat of an enigma thus far in the story. What do you make of his character? What do you think he represents/symbolizes? Why is he of such relevance to Marlow? Kurtz's station is in the "heart of darkness" - what might this hint at (You may choose to respond to a variety of these questions or zoom in on one)?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
When I looked up the definition of enigma "a person of puzzling or contradictory character" is the definition I found. Kurtz is somewhat of an enigma because he is portrayed or depicted as an intellectual man with morals however he is also portrayed as "ill." I think he represents a man who starts with morals reaching for the top without losing those morals. He is a relevance to Marlow because Marlow has heard many good attributes in Kurtz's character, and personality.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything you said, especially concerning morals.
DeleteThat's actually a pretty cool paradox you found in Kurtz: how he is portrayed as a rare, prodigal man yet ill. This reminds me of Icarus and the Very Old Man with Wings. Both Icarus and the Old Man were portrayed as supernatural and mythical, yet they were falling to the ground. Kurtz is an enigma even to the people at the station, yet he is ill. Nice, David!
DeleteI had always thought enigma just meant a puzzle or mystery, never " a contradictory character". So good job in finding that out and connecting that to Kurtz!
DeleteMy response was somewhat similar to this, I definitely think the part about his morality will show to be true.
DeleteI like your interpretation of what kind of a man Kurtz may represent: one that starts with morals reaching for the top without losing those morals.
DeleteKurtz, like Jay Gatsby of The Great Gatsby, is a character who is often spoken about but never shown. We are given several expectations of the character but have not yet met him.
ReplyDeleteKurtz seems to be a character who symbolizes humanity and basic human nature. Unlike the outer station manager, who received his position because he never falls ill and therefore represents the fact that these men are reverted to animals (survival of the fittest, natural selection), Kurtz has fallen ill. He gained his position through his intelligence and genius. For Marlow, Kurtz represents true civilization, sanity, and kindness in a world of savages.
However, because Kurtz's station is in the "heart of darkness," great trouble is foreshadowed. Kurtz is very likely not the "emissary of pity" that he has been made out to be--and if he is, that may change during the course of the book.
I love your comparison between Kurtz and Jay Gatsby!
DeleteYour connection between Kurtz and Jay Gatsby was very insightful. Kurtz, like Gatsby, is one of the most heavily discussed characters despite the fact that we have not been introduced to him yet.
DeleteI never saw the connection between Jay Gatsby and Kurtz but now it really makes sense! They are both seen as mysterious and we already have assumptions about them even though we haven't met them yet.
DeleteI also really like the connection you made between Heart of Darkness and The Great Gatsby! I never really thought of comparing the two! I also thought a little deeper and realized both books are the symbolism of darkness versus light.
DeleteYeah, I agree that what we have heard about the "emissary of pity" might be false.
DeleteI agree with your statement that Kurtz is like Gatsby. He was a very mysterious character until the very end. This reference made me think deeper into Kurtz's character.
Deleteinteresting parallelism.. yes, gatsby is definitely an archetypal character. do you think kurtz will then share the same fate as gatsby at the end?
DeleteAlso love your statement about how Kurtz is like Gastby! I would have never even seen that connection without your comment. It also made me think deeper into Kurtz character
DeleteI like the way you pulled Gatsby into this comment! In a way, Kurtz does represent the truly civilized."
DeleteLove your comparison of Kurtz and Gatsby!
DeleteKurtz has been described up until this point as an intellectual who is highly regarded by many, making him a subtle threat. All of his positive attributes is spread by people who are jealous of his high status. I would like to believe that once Marlow meets him, he is as much of a moral and captivating person he seems to be. He and Marlow seem alike in the sense that they both see the evils in the sole desires for power, wealth, and extreme obsession over ivory. They both seem to have emotions, so they at least notice the torment and horrid situations the slaves are in. Kurtz's station is at the heart of darkness, or perhaps the darkest place in Africa. Congo itself is already in the middle of the region, and by going even more in the middle maybe Marlow will discover the worse terrors of the African people and especially the tainted souls of the Euros. Kurtz is still human, so maybe he is ill because he is in the heart of darkness, as if everything around him had started to affect him- physically and mentally.
ReplyDeleteI like your use of the term "subtle threat." We don't yet know much about Kurtz, but we do know that he has great power that could be dangerous to others. His elusiveness, therefore, makes him even more dangerous.
DeleteI liked the way you compared Marlow and Kurtz. Although they are two extremely different characters, they possess many similarities that may not be immediately evident to the reader. I also thought your insight on the two character's feelings shed a new light on Marlow and Kurtz.
DeleteI liked the way you described the heart of the Congo and possibly beingthe worse terrors of the African people and the tainted souls of the Europeans. I agree with you on that point.
DeleteSo far in the reading, Kurtz's character has been heavily discussed and pondered about despite the fact that neither Marlow nor the reader has come in direct contact with him. The entire plot, up to this point, is centered around searching for this mysterious and infamous ivory trader. Marlow himself becomes somewhat obsessed by Kurtz's enigmatic, cryptic persona. Marlow's discovery of how Kurtz has gained his position of power over the locals causes him to question not only his own nature and values, but the morals of Western civilization as a whole.
ReplyDeleteThe idiosyncrasy as an "ivory trader" that Kurtz held already foreshadowed to Marlow just how "virtuous" Kurtz is, yet Marlow still wanted to see just how great Kurtz is. It's as if Marlow set himself up for disappointment.
DeleteI agree, it seems like Kurtz and ivory is the only thing on anyone's mind even though we have yet to even meet Kurtz. Marlow's obsession is also the reader's obsession to meeting Kurtz.
DeleteI totally agree with what you said about the plot being centered around meeting Kurtz. That is also something I said in my own response.
DeleteI agree that the plot is becoming more centered around Kurtz and discovering who he is and if he'll live up to the expectations that people have bestowed on him
DeleteAs I do agree that finding Kurtz is a main point, I don't think that Marlow is obsessed with Kurtz altogether, I think he is just puzzled by everyone else's obsession over Kurtz and what he has heard so far about him.
DeleteThe way things are headed for Marlow, I'm sure he'll uncover this mysterious icon that has been hidden from us for awhile, To include, I agree that the realization of the cruelty of the Western Civilization causes Marlow to question himself.
DeleteIn my letter yesterday, I emphasized on Marlow's guilt because all he could do is pity the Africans in a land of white men who felt no compassion. I saw Kurtz as a man of "virtue," a light. As Marlow is giving up hope in the colonists, Kurtz can be a possible candidate for someone who sees the Horrors of the maltreatment of the Congolese. Nevertheless, I still doubt that Kurtz will meet up to Marlow's imaginations.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that Kurtz won't be able to match Marlow's expectations. He is considered, thus far, to be very compassionate and intelligent. However, we can't know for sure that Africa hasn't corrupted him in some way.
DeleteI don't think anyone could live up to such rumors, escpecially in the jungle. Gossip must be the only thing working men have to do, so facts about Kurtz could have been embellished. However, would the author really spend time doing that to the reader? I think Conrad would prefer to be direct with his details about Kurtz, then show a "dark" side of Kurtz that doesn't refute the other characteristics given, but still disproves the idea of him being an awe inspiring man without fault (besides his illness).
DeleteI agree with your thoughts on how he won't be as great as Marlow expects. Due to Kurtz's line of work, he probably isn't as spectacular as Marlow dreams. However, I am not sure how pure his "light" will be in this heart of darkness.
DeleteI agree that Kurtz is a man of virtue. But maybe Kurtz will meet up to Marlow's imagination.
DeleteIn the course of the story, Kurtz has been the main topic of discussion wherever Marlow travels. People see him as a "prodigy" or "a man of science and knowledge" or even someone to be envious of. Marlow sees Kurtz as almost unreal because he has yet to meet him, almost as if he is hearing of him through a fictional story book. I believe Kurtz represents the true "light of civilization" because it seems that he has learned the culture and ways of the natives enough to get them to trust him. I believe he wants to avoid the company because he is not like the evil European exploiters who only care about personal gain. I think he and Marlow are both seen as outcasts because they have different incentives besides profit, glory, and power. I believe in the end, we will see Kurtz as a beacon of hope for the natives.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I disagree with you theory on Kurtz, you did a good job of supporting your idea that Kurtz may end up being good or as you referred to him, the "light of civilization."
DeleteI like how you vividly compared both Kurts and Marlow and how you emphasized the main differences between them. Awesome!
DeleteI find your point of view/theory very interesting since it's more on the optimistic side and your support for it is something I really haven't thought of through the positive side especially with your comparison of Kurtz and Marlow.
DeleteI would have never considered that Kurtz might be avoiding the European company out of disagreement. It's interesting that the exploitative European colonists seem to exhibit an innate recognition of what is morally good; even if they're exploitative themselves, they recognize the good in Kurtz.
DeleteI found your point of view interesting. Yes I agree that Kurtz is seen as the "light of civilization," but I don't think he is doing a very good job like you make it seem. Yes he has the natives trust, but maybe it's more fear than it is trust. But I like your explanations and how you viewed everything.
DeleteI liked your point of view and I agree that marlow might not even think kurtz is real since he has never met him. I always agree that you think that kurtz is the light of civilization.
DeleteKurtz is a mystery to both Marlow and the reader. His mysterious aspect is what keeps both Marlow and the reader motivated to continue. The main focus of the plot is the idea of finally getting to meet Kurtz and the journey that will have to be taken to reach that goal. I believe that Kurtz symbolizes the epitome of the deception King Leopold used in the exploitation of the Congo. King Leopold put up this façade that he was using his control of the Congo for philanthropy and had the world blinded to the real horrors and exploitation of the Congo that he was actually creating. Just as King Leopold, I believe that Kurtz is being made out to be “the good guy” throughout the book but in the end he will end up being just as bad as all the others on the Congo or worse. What is even more ominous is hat Kurtz’s station is located in the “heart of darkness” which is the least likely place to find light and goodness which only reinforces my theory.
ReplyDeleteAlthough my opinion differed from yours, your points seemed spot on! I never even thought to compare Kurtz to King Leopold. It makes sense that Kurtz is also hiding behind philanthropy and that his "genius" and "good-guy" nature is actually a facade! That's an awesome point!
DeleteI agree with you that people are making Kurtz seem like he is the good guy and is there to help the people, but I believe that he is just going to be like all the other people and turn out bad. I liked how you used King Leopold as a connection.
DeleteI agree with you that you think that even if he is a good person, he might turn out to be bad in the end.
DeleteKurtz is an enigma because thus far in the story, we have only heard about him, and have yet to see or meet him. He is known as intelligent and brilliant, yet ill. Unlike the station manager we've met so far, Kurtz earned his position through hard work. Marlow finds this commendable and admirable because the station manager he has met recieved his job simply due to his strong immune system. Kurtz represents light and civilization in the dark and savage world Marlow has found him in. Unfortunately, Kurtz's station lies right in the heart of the darkness, which may foreshadow that Kurtz will not live up to the expecatations Marlow has created for him.
ReplyDeleteI like how you say that he will not live up to the expectations even though i think it may be the opposite in the end.
DeleteIt's good that you consider his position in the congo as a hindrance to his potential good. It's been stated that he has potential to do great things, but the factors surrounding him may sway his actions.
DeleteWe could find out that Kurtz's station in the heart of the darkness can be the center of light surrounded by the darkness that hides the light.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAt first Marlow doesn’t really know what he should think about Kurtz and neither do I. Everybody seems to adore him, but people barely know any information on him and show jealousy towards him. But Marlow wants to know more about him, before he makes his own opinion about him. Kurtz represents all that is bad in the world. Kurtz could easily represents a civilized man attempting to return to nature, which is not possible. So instead, he is hiding in the darkness of Africa. This could explain why he is "hiding" in the heart of darkness, being Africa. I dont think Marlow is truly interested in the person Kurtz as much as he is the mystery of Kurtz.
ReplyDeleteI never thought to think about the possibility of Kurtz "hiding" in the darkness. It seems like a poor choice of a place to hide, but it could be possible! Maybe Kurtz has a "dark" past?
Deleteyour opinion is very similar to mine. i like how you bring up the fact that it isn't the person but the thought of knowing someone.
DeleteI think your idea that Kurtz represents all that is bad in the world is interesting. Would you consider that possibly Kurtz represents the idea of "the light at the end of the tunnel"? Could he be hiding, yes, but I think if he was hiding it would to be to get away from the darkness of Europe (much as Marlow did), but this would be ironic considering all the corruption the Europeans have caused in the region. Interesting ideas!
DeleteSo far in the story, Marlow has yet to meet Kurtz, but the bits and pieces Marlow picks up on Kurtz reveals that Kurtz is an intellectual man ("prodigy") who has high status and power that some people envy, yet is an ill person that nobody sees. To Marlow, Kurtz is like someone who is unreal since nobody sees him, but real at the same time since he feels he will get to meet Kurtz very soon. Kurtz is seen to be a great man who could be the "light in the darkness", but since his true nature is still unclear, he could turn out to be the exact opposite. Kurtz's rumored illness is also in itself unknown of what kind of sickness it is and since Kurtz's station is in the "heart of darkness" I think it hints at Kurtz slowly becoming sucked in the darkness himself.
ReplyDeleteI pretty much agreed with you, but yours put it much more clearly. I find it interesting how little is known about Kurtz. Is it presumptive to analyze his character when we know virtually nothing about him?
DeleteI love what you say about the light in the darkness. It correlates perfectly well with the fact that Kurtz's station is in the 'heart of darkness'. MArlow exaults him in the same way one would exault a prophet who brings spiritual 'light'.
DeleteI love what you said about Kurtz slowly becoming sucked into the darkness himself, I completely agree with that! I feel like Kurtz is slowly being eaten why by his own power and greed
DeleteKurtz seems to be one of the few good men in the “Heart of Darkness.” It is commonly accepted that in order to properly defeat a bully or overcome a fear, one must face it directly. I believe that Kurtz went into the deepest part of the “Heart of Darkness” in order to try and destroy it completely. The painting he created proves that he knows of the injustices occurring in the jungle. His fight against this darkness is what is causing his ailments. The darkness is so overwhelming that it is seeping into his very being and attacking his body. Marlow was described as a virtuous man, and because of this, he is going to be Kurtz’ right hand man. Marlow will assist Kurtz in his quest to destroy the darkness. In my opinion, Kurtz seems to be a symbol of light. The biggest light in literature is Jesus, though the evidence is weak at this point. Kurtz does suffer through his illness, envelopes himself in nature, genuinely care for others, and is not described as an “old” man, so it could hold true. The idea of Kurtz being a light would help describe why such an intelligent and awe inspiring man is doing in the darkness of the jungle, instead of pursuing more “logical” professions.
ReplyDeleteI really like your approach to this. I agree, Kurtz is a light. What I really loved was you saying that he could be a Christ-like figure, I didn't think of this myself. Also, great job with using the bully analogy.
DeleteI agree, Chris! I think that Kurtz is the light going right into the darkness and trying to rid the Congo of it and make it a better place. I think his intentions are much more selfless than the other station managers.
DeleteI like the bully analogy. Your response made me reconsider my opinions on Kurtz. It makes sense that his sickness is a result of the fight against darkness. Very insightful!
DeleteThroughout the story, Kurtz is a well-spoken man that is praised by all who have met him. Though he is not seen often, people say that he is a "prodigy". It is ironic how Kurtz participates in the trade of ivory, but he also paints the woman showing that he knows how wrong it is to exploit these people. It seems though, that he is trying to take control of this trade from the inside and stop the injustices happening to the Congolese people all at once. I also believe that he portrays what is good and bad in this society. He is that "light" and the "dark" that people see. In order to stop the injustices, he has to participate in them.
ReplyDeleteI like the optimism but I feel like Kurtz is a borderline character who might be beyond saving, a topic we discussed in class now that I think about it. Yeah, there might be something to that.
DeleteBased on the definition, I think Kurtz is an enigma due to his contradictory characteristics. If he were placed on his own, he would be seen as a bad entity, as he is one of the white developers in the Congo. However, he is considered "good" compared to the other developers. I believe this allows him to be such a complex character before we even meet him. Also, even with his intelligence and power, he is rumored to be ill, which shows that every man has a weakness. Maybe his location in the "heart of darkness" will show that no heart can be purely evil, or that he is rooted from evil/in the roots of evil.
ReplyDeleteI liked your idea of no heart being truly evil because I do agree that no one fan be absolutely evil just as no place can be all bad. I agree that Kurtz brings that bit of hope to the darkness
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteKurtz is describes as a prodigy, a forebearer of science and civilization to the heart of darkness. He personifies the European culture - science and reason. For Marlow, Kurtz is a breath of fresh air, a last person of reason and sanity in the land overrun with "savages" and heartless colonists. Unfortunately for Marlow, Kurtz's illness might signify that the darkness has already consumed him. Kurtz's becoming ill in the heart of darkness symbolizes the defeat of science and reason in the face of basic human desire.
ReplyDeleteI had not really considered the aspect of Kurtz's illness representing the defeat of European science and reason, its interesting.
DeleteI agree with your idea that Kurtz is not going to be savior that Marlow believes him to be at this point in the novel. The connection to European technology is an aspect I had not thought of, however. Great connection!
DeleteSo far Kurtz has remained as mysterious and dark as the Congo itself. What little the reader knows of him comes from the descriptions, praise, and criticism from other characters. While there has been some evidence to show that Kurtz feels pity for the Africans, the location of his station in the very heart of darkness could imply the deepest extent of corruption and greed. As the Congo is frequently compared to Hell, Kurtz's station represents the deepest part of that "hell." If Kurtz is not corrupt now, he likely will be, and Marlow may experience similar corruption so deep in the heart of darkness.
ReplyDeleteI don't agree that Marlow will be corrupted in the Congo. I think he differs from all the others to the extent that he will not follow their lead. He might lose hope, but I don't think he will be corrupted as well.
DeleteCouldn't you also argue that Marlow losing hope is a form of his innocence corrupting, though? I'm not sure if I agree that Kurtz's station represents Hell, but we're not far enough into the book to have a deep understanding of his character yet.
DeleteI definitely think Marlow is secretly somewhat jealous inside of Kurtz's ability and power..It is true Marlow is struggling to maintain his innocence in a world full of temptation and darkness.
DeleteAt this point Kurtz has remained a mysterious man. Possibly this is to symbolize the mysterious aspect of the Congo, since he lies deep within the heart. To Marlow Kurtz seems to be the only man in the region that cares about morals and values. The other men are jealous of him not because of his view point, but because he holds more power than them. He seems to be in the Congo for the same reason Marlow is, however Kurtz is stationed in the heart of the "darkness." The real question of his character would be if he is able to retain his original values, or if he will fall and be corrupted like all the other men. Regardless, Kurtz represents the "light" that Marlow is being drawn to, because if he is not corrupt then Kurtz would be the purest person in the Congo, and hopefully this will lead for other stations to be "pure" and reverse the evils they have caused in the region.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I think Kurtz himself can symbolize how little we as readers really know about Congo, especially, the heart of darkness/the Congo.
DeleteI think that Kurtz represents the mysteriousness and the unknown of Africa. No one really knows him and he is extremely hard to get to, and this parallels how the outsiders do not truly know or understand Africa or the Congo. I think that he is important to Marlow because everyone talks extremely highly about him and how moral he is, and Marlow thinks that he has finally found someone who shares the same values and outlook and who is not cold hearted and numb to the concept of humanity like the other station managers. Lastly, Kurtz's station being the "heart of darkness" hints that because of his humanity, maybe it is the only small part of light in the center of all of the darkness.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you; Kurtz does represent the unknown of Africa. I also agree with you about his relationship to Marlow, he is a person that Marlow thinks he can connect with and that he wants to get to know. In addition, great job with the light comparison, I agree.
DeleteI really like your ideas on Kurtz because he is an unknown to every one although other agents believe they know his character, just like Europe thought they knew Africa before they went there.
DeleteI completely agree on your thought of Kurtz being the light in the darkness! I like how you described the other Europeans as being numb to humanity. I think that is a very accurate way tod describe their actions
DeleteKurtz is a complex character early into the book and strikes me as somewhat of a Gatsby in that he is admired by all, yet known personally by very few. This arcane disposition adds a certain depth to Kurtz and makes the reader question why a "prodigy" would waste away his genius and wellness in the Congo. This physical deterioration can also be seen as an effect of being placed in the heart of darkness. In a sense, Kurtz proves that good can exist in the midst of darkness, but conversely, he shows that ravenous desires motivate foreigners to infiltrate and destroy a land that is not their own.
ReplyDeleteI really like your comparison to Gatsby. I also agree with your question of why he was called a prodigy and why he would use his gifts in the Congo.
DeleteBoth Gatsby and Kurtz have a plethora of rumors surrounding them spread by the jealous and hateful people around them; do you think that Marlow will come to know Kurtz in the same way that Nick feels sympathy for Gatsby?
DeleteI think that Kurtz is a very important character in this book. In addition, I believe that Kurtz symbolizes the light in the darkness of this continent. Much like his painting, there is a small light surrounded by darkness; perhaps he has depicted himself as the lady of the painting, going about bringing light to Africa blindly. He is of such relevance to Marlow because he is someone that Marlow is fascinated by. Marlow wants to get to know Kurtz because he is described as a genius and a person with morals; Marlow believes that he can connect with Kurtz because of this. As stated before, Kurtz seems to represent the light in the darkness, and when you are in the heart of something, you are in the center/ source. Therefore, Kurtz is the light in the center/ source of darkness, and when in the center you can control things and spread everywhere. I believe that Kurtz and Marlow together will spread the light.
ReplyDeleteI like how you implemented the concept of light versus dark because I can see how Kurtz can be the light of the continent.
DeleteKurtz in the novel is seen as a man who has multiple qualities that portrays him as a man with high intelligence and decent morals compared to the more inferior agents in the Congo. Other than see him as symbol in the story, I see him as more of an importance to Marlow during his journey in Africa. Every trip is a quest and though Marlow's goal is to be a boat captain in the Congo his true goal is to make it to Kurtz's station and meet him as well. Also, Marlow is told of Kurtz's character and becomes a goal in that sense for Marlow as well, because his moral character is one that Marlow wants to have also while he's in the Congo, and not be corrupted by the other agents.
ReplyDeleteSo far Kurtz is the character that is talked about greatly, but no one truly knows, therefore setting him apart from everyone else which makes us wonder what makes him so different. From what we have read it seems that Kurtz may actually possess skills for his job as opposed to the rest of the Europeans in Africa who seem to be inept at their jobs and didn't work to get there. Because Kurtz is sick but is still in power it further proves that he does stand apart from the others Marlow has met like the station manager who has no skills but is never sick. Because Marlow feels Kurtz may be a more realistic guy who understands what is going on in Africa, Kurtz could represent the little bit of light in the Congo that the other Europeans do not have.
ReplyDeleteMy opinion is very similar to yours. I also think that Kurtz could represent the faith in the Congo since he has the qualities that are very different from those of the other Europeans.
DeleteI think the fact that Kurtz is sick really does show that he stands apart from the others. I think it shows that he has some very good qualities in him that we are about to see!
DeleteDo you think that his being sick as any other significance than to show the respect that he receives? Does it reveal any symbolism?
DeleteSo far, Kurtz has been portrayed as one of the most powerful figures in Heart of Darkness. He's intelligent, great at his job, able to relate of the native Africans, and, to the dismay of the station manager, he's incredibly ambitious, as we see in the weekend's passage. The comparisons made between Kurtz and Marlow imply that we'll soon see another figure of alleged morality, but as others have pointed out, Kurtz is an ivory trader and probably will not live up to Marlow's high expectations. Additionally, Kurtz's fragile health makes me wonder how long he can possibly last in Africa. Surely he's aware of his own mortality; it's up to him whether he decides to take whatever time he has left in a greedy or philanthropic direction. Because we don't actually know what Kurtz is really like yet, I don't think we can really say what he symbolizes other than possibly a misguided figure of hope/light for Marlow.
ReplyDeletethat you point out that he relates to the natives actually goes right along with my post (that happens to be alot of predicting and such, but whatever). It is also clear that Marlow may be misguided in his impression of Kurtz.
DeletePart of Marlow's expectations for Kurtz is what other people have had to say about the man. Marlow has made his own judgements of Kurtz despite how little fact he truly knows, and certain qualities of Kurtz's that Marlow finds intriguing may just be the fabrication or jealousy of lesser men. Perhaps Kurtz is an ambitious prodigy with nothing standing in the way of his meteoric ascent, or maybe he's just a hard worker with his sights set on a goal, hoping to make something out of what could be (as you pointed out, Julia) a very short life.
DeleteMarlow learns about Kurtz even before they meet. A lot of rumors have been made regarding Kurtz's health and his powers. The fact that Kurtz is regarded as a significant figure despite his fragile health causes Marlow to view Kurtz as an enigma. Marlow, as obsessive as he is over the idea of 'truth', is desperate to find out more about Kurtz. Moreover, since Kurtz seems to be the only person who is powerful and superior despite his illness symbolizes the light in the Congo. Kurtz probably gives Marlow the faith that the Congo is not all crazy.
ReplyDeleteThis is similar to what I thought. I agree that Kurtz gives Marlow hope/faith in all the darkness that surrounds him.
DeleteI like how you pointed out that Marlow is obsessed with the idea of "truth" even though he lied about his influence in Europe. Great parallel!
DeleteKurtz is an enigma because people consider him the best of the best but he is sick. This is contradictory because, in HoD, blacks, like the ones under the tree, are usually sickly while whites, such as the accountant as station manager, tend to stay healthy. In this world, whites are considered superior to blacks. Kurtz manages to be the best while still being sickly like the blacks. He represents the idea that whites can be good at what they do without considering themselves superior to blacks. If anything, it can even imply that, to BE THE BEST, being one with the natives is necessary! The fact that his station is in the “heart of darkness” hints that he has become one with the natives and is welcome into their land as an equal. This is relevant to Marlow because he has yet to determine his position in comparison to the blacks. If he takes the example of Kurtz, maybe he can be the best. This may be completely wrong because I don’t even know what Kurtz is like, but this is an analysis based of my interpretation of what we know so far … Also, The station manager may not like Kurtz because he considers himself beeter that the Blacks and Kutz upsets that balance (and he’s just jealous, but that’s obvious :P).
ReplyDeleteThroughout the novel, Kurtz has been greatly discussed. He is a very mysterious character, much like Africa is a mysterious, unknown place. Other characters describe Kurtz as a "prodigy", with intelligence and great morals. Marlow is very curious about Kurtz, and I think to him, Kurtz represents hope/light in the darkness of the Congo. Although Marlow believes Kurtz to be a man of good values, I think the fact that his station is located in the "heart of darkness" foreshadows Kurtz falling short of Marlow's expectations.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that Kurtz represents hop in the darkness! I think that's where the title comes from. I really like that insight!
DeleteI'm completely with you when you say that Kurtz's station foreshadows the true darkness in the Congo and how his reputation may not be what Marlow really thinks!
DeleteI love the connection!! Everyone has all of these ideas of what Kurtz is like (like how Gatsby's party guests had ideas about Gatsby), but no one has met him.
DeleteI also agree with you. I feel like Kurtz has to be the hope of Africa, since so far, the majority of the novel portrayed the evil and cruelty of the white people.
DeleteI think Kurtz's character is the perfect example of an enigma, because the definition that i found was something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained. No one can really explain to Marlow Kurtz's true identity, and Marlow is perplexed about his actual characteristics. Everyone is only telling him that Kurtz lives in the heart of darkness, he some how gets the best ivory in the Congo, and he is ill all of the time. This gives Kurtz a very mysterious, almost dangerous feel about him. I think that Kurtz symbolizes the mystery of what Marlow is actually getting himself into by taking this job that is cursed with people becoming crazy, killing themselves, or being killed. Kurtz is also relevant to Marlow because they both are shown to have morals and they both want to help Africa in their own way. Since Kurtz is stationed in the heart of darkness, I believe that Kurtz is being represented as darkness which according to this book represents goodness. In my opinion I think that Kurtz will be a good person in the end, but there could also be a plot twist and Kurtz could represent the horrors that go on in the darkest, middle point in the Congo.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteKurtz is an enigma for many reasons. His identity is a mystery itself. Marlow doesn't know much about him, and he is quite anxious to meet this character. His impressive success is mysterious, as well, despite his sick condition. Furthermore, it says, "“‘[Kurtz is] the chief of the Inner Station...He is a prodigy...an emissary of pity and science and progress...he comes here, a special being...of the new gang-the gang of virtue’” What virtues? What are they based on? Are there virtues in a place as dark as Congo? Can one still possess virtues when he robs Africa of ivory? This is all an enigma to the readers.
ReplyDeleteThese are all very good questions, and I believe they are the underlying questions of this book.
DeleteI believe Kurtz was sent to make a difference in the Congo and that people believe he is doing a good job of civilizing the Congo. However, I believe that he is taking advantage of the natives and not really helping the Congo like people assume he is. Also, I think he is located in the center of the "heart of darkness" because that's where they need the most help but he isn't giving it to them. Also, I feel like in a sense that darkeness could represent evil and Kurtz is the center of all evil.
ReplyDeleteSo you're saying that Kurtz is in a way misrepresented by the people who speak of him to Marlow, thus giving the protagonist a false notion of Kurtz? Interesting theory. Depending on the next few reading assignments, we could see if this has any weight. However, perhaps if we used some contrast to explore the possibility, we could rule this out (or maybe strengthen it). The manager and Kurtz in regards to their health and their placement; The manager, outside the HoD is hearty and perpetually healthy. Kurtz on the other hand is within the Hod (perhaps the heart itself) and is very ill. Since we knew the manager doesn't take very good care of his station and cares little of the natives, would that make Kurtz the opposite by the two character's natural juxtaposition? No way to tell now, but good theory.
DeleteYour theory makes sense, but don't you think that it may go either way. It's really confusing in who and what Kurtz will do.
DeleteKurtz, as Marlow describes him, symbolizes hope. I think Marlow sees him as the heart and kind-being in the darkness of the country. Kurtz is a confusing character because usually people in his kind of power have to be healthy and cannot get sick (shown by the station manager), but he is sick at the moment. This, I think, shows us that he has qualities that have actually earned him his position, making him different from the other men. Marlow admires this because he admires work. Though we have not met Kurtz yet, we know a lot about him through descriptions from others. He has actually earned his job, which shows his positive characteristics. Also, I think that Kurtz represents the light in the darkness of the Congo and he will provide hope for Marlow’s view on humanity. Marlow does not like what he has seen so far, and I think that Kurtz is his last hope for a good person in this strange country, so that is why he is so important to Marlow.
ReplyDeletePrior to reading your explanation, I had a completely different view of Kurtz. Rather than agree with Marlow and the descriptions others have used to describe Kurtz such as an "emissary of pity," I believed that his station's location within the heart of darkness was a symbol of his lack of morality and values. However, I can see where you're coming from with your belief that he actually represents hope and the possibility of good in humanity!
DeleteI view Kurtz as a “tabula rasa”; he is a blank slate which the characters in the novel project their goals and desires upon. He is the subconscious mind of the characters. Many characters praise this man and look up to him. He is the goal, such as wealth, power, fame, etc., which the characters wish to obtain through their expedition in the Congo. Kurtz can also symbolize both Christ in Christianity and Buddha in Buddhism. He is an extraordinary man which many people look up to and strive to be like. He has disciples, (the pilgrims), who strive to be like him and achieve his status through attempting to follow his footsteps. I believe Joseph Conrad may be trying to make a point about religion - how men and women can be so caught up in trying to be like their savior that they use non-believers as tools in order to try to achieve their salvation. Rather than helping those around them, both the pilgrims and believers may use fellow men and women for their own selfish interests. Christians can be so worried about making sure they themselves are saved that they let their peers fall in to sin, just as the “pilgrims” are so focused on obtaining wealth that they mistreat the natives. -Tyler Puszewski
ReplyDeleteI did not even begin to think of Kurtz in this regard, but it is absolutely right to do so. Kurtz is definitely the man that all feel strongly towards in one way or another that reveals more about themselves than Kurtz. Great insight!!!
DeleteI like your statement that Kurtz is a blank slate. So true! Since we have not actually met Kurtz, everything we know about him is based off of what the other characters have projected onto the blank slate.
DeleteI think Kurtz is a very mysterious character in the book. He is a rich man but is always sick. He is located in the "heart of darkness" and that might be a foreshadow stating that his is going to have a downfall since he is located in the :darkness." I feel like Marlow is very curious to meet him, but at the same time doesnt believe that he could be real.
ReplyDeleteKurtz is of relevance-some might even say obsession- to Marlow in the novel due to the fact that he is the ideal. He represents a member of the "gang of virtue," and Marlow truly wants to believe in this ideal. While traveling deeper and deeper into the heart of darkness, the reader sees Marlow distracting himself from the reality of what he observes by the surface truth of attempting to keep the steamboat moving. He sees the horrors of the white man in Africa, but he believes that Mr. Kurtz in the end will allow for the redemption of Europe. Nevertheless, Kurtz's station in the heart of darkness makes me inclined to think that this illusion of greatness will be shattered in Marlow's eyes upon meeting Kurtz. He will not the man that Marlow thinks he is, but rather Kurtz will be from the same breed as the manager, chief accountant, brick-maker, and the pilgrims. Kurtz will prove to be the epitome of the heart of darkness and force Marlow back to the reality of the Congo.
ReplyDeleteKurtz is portrayed as a well-known, successful and intellectual man but I think he is somewhat of an enigma because although he is portrayed as all high and mighty, in reality he isn't. I feel like he symbolizes the darkness in man because he has reached the goal of wealth, power and fame. He is envied and praised by the men around him for what he's done in the Congo. Kurtz being stationed at the "heart of darkness" shows that he is the root of the darkness going on in the Congo.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you're statement. Kurtz portrays the evil of man because of his illness. He is envied by others which shows that he has reached high status.
DeleteKurtz is an enigma in this story because he is depicted as an intelligent, authoritative, and well-respected man; however, Kurtz's reputation may not be what Marlow expected. The further Marlow travels inward in the Congo, the darker the state of humanity and civilization gets; and the further Marlow travels inward, the closer he is to meeting Kurtz. This foretells that Kurtz, a man of success and authority, symbolizes the corruption of power and true darkness of man and in the Congo.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, as Marlow goes into the Congo he gets more appalled. Since Kurtz is in the heart of the darkness, it can be concluded that Kurtz will represent the evil of man, the desire to exploit people.
DeleteI like how you mention that kurtz is perhaps more likely the result of the corruption of power rather than foreshadowing him as completely immoral and dark.
DeleteKurtz is a man that everyone working in the Congo is jealous of. They are constantly talking about him and how he is not worthy of his job. He is a contradictory character because he is the main person in power but he is sick. Usually, a person in power is someone who is strong and a powerful figure but because Kurtz is sick, it complicates his character even more. Marlow is very curious about Kurtz because he has yet to meet him even though he has basically heard everything about him. Kurtz is a mystery just like Marlow's journey through the Congo.
ReplyDeleteI think Kurtz represents hope for humanity to Marlow. So far, the only white people he has met have been greedy, manipulative, and cruel toward the natives. And the natives that he has seen aren't even perceived to be alive. He sees them at phantoms, shadows of their former selves. Marlow says, "Still, I was curous to see whether this man, who had come out equipped with moral ideas of some sort would climb to the top (Conrad 39)..." He had been told along his journey that the Congo changes people, but Kurtz gives him hope that he will remain humane and good despite these conditions. It's important too that in the story the manager tells his uncle that he was going to come deliver the ivory to the station, but he suddenly decided to go back. He goes back to his desolate station in the heart of darkness (Conrad 48). With him leaving suddenly and being weakened by his illness, it represents the Congo area and Marlow slowly losing hope in the Congo. This is why as the story unfolds, Marlow becomes more obsessed with seeing Kurtz. He needs that hope to drive him to stay true to his good and honest nature.
ReplyDeleteI like your explanation in regards to Marlow perceiving Kurtz as a symbol of humanity and how this fuels his obsession to see him. I agree with this statement and I also like the symbolism you saw in the illness. I never looked at it from the perspective that he could represent the state of the Congo!
DeleteI like how you used the book as a reference for your explanation!
DeleteKurtz is an enigma in a sense that he is seen as an ideal person. He is very smart and in a current position in which everyone else wish they were. Since he is the talk of the town, Marolow is mesmerized by his importance and the fact that everyone is jealous.I think Marlow is so caught on who he wishes Kurtz to be, that he is blinded by who Kurtz actually might be. He sees all these other things happening in the Congo and wishes that someone would do something about it, So he confides in Kurtz as a hero - despite the fact that he has never seen or even spoken to him. Marlow's obliviousness might lead to his disappointment and I think this foreshadows not only the disappoint that he will go through, but also the other Europeans who believe that King Leopold and all the others there, are helping the Congolese natives...when in reality they are harming them.
ReplyDeleteI believe the questions about Kurtz being an enigma and his station being located IN the heart of darkness go hand in hand to be able to effectively understand this mysterious character. Kurtz is a puzzling man whose being and traits appear contradictory throughout much of the story. For example, in spite of the fact that he, unlike the station manager, actually received his position on the grounds of merit, Conrad describes Kurtz as "ill." However, the author does not go into detail at first about Kurtz "illness," leaving readers to ponder over whether in addition to a physical illness as is the most obvious conclusion, perhaps Conrad is hinting at a possible psychological defect as well. This is supported by the fact that Kurtz's station is located within the heart of darkness- a setting that bodes negative things to common and could also represent Kurtz' actual character. Perhaps this man is not the "emissary of pity" as described by the brick maker.
ReplyDeleteI love how you connect the physical and mental illness together. Way to bring in psychology!
DeleteI am not quite sure what to think of Kurtz at the moment, since I on principle hold off from judging a person based only off gossip (and let's face it, Marlow's heard gossip and jealousy from anyone who's told him about Kurtz). Or course, the whole point of the question is conjecture and analysis of said gossip. I do think it is possible for Kurtz to live up to Marlow's expectations of a virtuous person while still a prodigy, one who may care for the Africans and is intelligent. Yet I also think that Marlow will get more than he bargained for once he meets Kurtz; he'll see the brilliance, yes, and the ambition, but what about the madness? In this book so far, I haven't often thought of illness as being physiological, but mental, and infection caused by the heart of darkness. When Conrad wrote that the inadequate manager was only there because he was immune to illness, I took it as someone whose mind was unable to be infected by madness. Is Kurtz simply sick or is he mad? Or both? And if Kurtz is truly so virtuous (as is bad in these sorts of ventures), then why is he participating in the ivory trade, a commerce with a blood-stained and dark history? Just makes me wonder if Kurtz came here for the same reason as Marlow, exploration, but was infected by something far worse when he saw what corruption the world had fallen to.
ReplyDeleteKurtz seem to be a rather sketchy character as of now. He lives in the Heart of Darkness, and maybe like a hurricane (where the eye is the most calm) there is something we don't know about Kurtz? He is still a mystery to us as he has yet to be presented but it is weird about the connection between Kurtz and Marlow. I can't quite put my finger on it but there is something about Kurtz that gives me chills. Marlow thinks of the Congo of a place where there is happiness and slave-free. This illusion breaks as he enters the Congo. Instead of happiness, there is death. The congolese are beaten and killed on a daily basis. Why is this happening? What is Kurtz doing behind all this?
ReplyDeleteKurtz has been a mysterious figure through the story thus far. All the reader knows and all Marlow is what he hears from other people. It can be seen that Marlow is very intrigued by Kurtz and views him as a light in the midst of darkness. Marlow sees Kurtz as enlightened, one who understands the Congolese people and one that is different than the savage exploiters. Although I don't believe that Kurtz will live up to this expectation. Kurtz's diminishing health is a sign that he isn't what Marlow will expect him to be. His health represents the evil that men have when they come to different people and exploit them for their resources.The darkness will consume Kurtz and this will show Marlow that the only way to stop this is to leave the Congo and stop exploiting its people.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the story, Kurtz’s identity has been concealed and unknown; however, I think that Marlow considers Kurtz as a symbol of hope to the African people. Marlow has such high expectation of Kurtz that I think Marlow integrated a part of his imagination in which Mr. Kurtz is and what he will do to protect humanity.
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree that he is a symbol of hope to Africa. His humane attitude toward the natives backs up this theory.
DeleteKurtz, so far in the novel, has definitely been this mysterious character who has been the topic of many other Europeans. However, these conversations do represent KurtZ in a bad light; the people who talk about Kurtz are jealous of Kurtz's success in the Congo, while they're stuck in their positions. In a way, Kurt represents a mystery of the "civilized" because he is successful in the Congo while also a failure due to his health. He represents the Heart of Darkness. As Marlow continues his journey towards Kurtz, he travels towards heart of darkness.
ReplyDeleteKurtz is an intriguing character in that the only information that we currently have about him has come by word of mouth and rumor from other people that Marlow has met. The most interesting aspect of Kurtz is that he is described as having a nearly humane attitude towards the natives, and yet his station is set deep in the "heart of darkness" of the Congo. To me, this could mean one of two things: that Kurtz will have been changed by the illness that he is rumored to have into a horrifying example of the cruelty of European exploitation, or he will be the lone bright spark of humanity in the depths of human greed.
ReplyDeleteWow, the whole dichotomy of the whole situation is really enigmatic. His situation could mean one of the two things you mentioned above. Interesting!
DeleteThroughout the novel, Kurtz is talked about as an intellectual man with high morals. Since at this point in the novel no one has met Kurtz, the facts we know about him are based completely off of what the other characters have heard. Since his station is in the "heart of darkness" I think he represents the the one bright light of humanity in the darkness. Kurtz is also a mysterious figure, making Marlow curious to finally meet him. As Marlow travels farther into the darkness, we learn more andm ore about Kurtz, or at least what people think about him.
ReplyDeleteIn the novel, Kurtz is greatly discussed and wondered about. In HoD, we find out that Kurtz is an intellectual man with high morals but the one quality that sticks out is his illness. However, the information that we have on Kurtz is only from the mouth of others-- exaggerations or fleeting memories of Kurtz. To Marlow, Kurtz is the image or symbol of hope for the people of the Congo and Marlow finds that he wants to meet the mystery man more than ever because of his light that shines through the dark area that is the Congo.
ReplyDelete-Nikolas Pham
Thus far in the story, Conrad has portrayed Kurtz as a man that has gone to Africa for the morally right reasons of helping the Africans instead of exploiting them. Whether or not this is true or not remains uncertain at this point, but Marlow sees these characteristics as an inspiration that not all colonists in the Congo are corrupt. The reason Kurtz's station is in the "heart of darkness" could be because he is the one light that comes out of the darkness to help the people. However, it could go a completely different direction. It could also be because Kurtz is corrupted and is going to be the epicenter of a mass exploitation of the Congolese.
ReplyDeleteThe character of Kurtz is that of one which creates a sense of mystery in the minds of the readers. He is a man of amassed wisdom and knowledge. His intelligence is even considered supreme in nature. Nevertheless, his sickness is a strong weakness of his. Ironically he is also known to be a man with good health. He is the epitome of what the white man should be doing to these colonies. He has a humane heart towards this people, yet finds himself in the darkest place of the Congo. These are all puzzling and mysterious, especially considering the fact that we the readers are yet to actually meet him.
ReplyDeleteWith more details about the mysterious Kurtz being uncovered, it is becoming increasingly obvious that Conrad has purposefully revealed information on Kurtz in the manner that he did. As Marlow get closer and closer to the heart of the Congo, he discovers more and more about the mystery man Mr. Kurtz. In a way, the character of Kurtz can be seen as parallel to the Congo itself, in context to Marlow. As Marlow discovers more about the darkness within the Congo, he learns more of the darkness within Kurtz. Conrad reveals Kurtz little by little so that Marlow discovers Kurtz while simultaneously discovering Africa.
ReplyDeleteKurtz is continually characterized as an intellectual and a representation of morality and good to Marlow as he becomes visibly disturbed at the conspiracy between the station manager and his uncle to get Kurtz position. Likewise, Kurtz is represented as being in high favor with the executives of the expedition which ironically would suggest that like the other explorers, he would also have the same motives if greed and profit and the representation of the darkness, Marlow is continually introduced and experiencing. Additionally, the fact Kurtz is located in the " heart of darkness," gives further credence that Kurtz is more likely the epitome of the darkness than the morality Marlow idealizes him to be.
ReplyDeleteI am quite intrigued by Kurtz's character. I cannot wait to meet him. His station is supposedly in the "heart of darkness." Kurtz has been described as intellectual, which is what white men are supposed to be to the natives, but I think since Kurtz is the pinnacle of what a white man is supposed to be he will end up being the darkest characters of this book. Since he is manager in the "heart of darkness," one has to worry how he got there. Before Marlow entered the Congo mostly everyone warned him that he would not come out and that is true with most men like Marlow's predecessor who got in a scuffle with the natives, but Kurtz is still at the top, being at the top to me means that person has to be extremely dark. I feel like what is killing Kurtz is all the evil actions he has done to get to the top is the guilt. or Karma.
ReplyDelete