Describing Marlow's Character In The Heart Of Darkness

2 Pages 521 Words

Pg: 10. "When I grow up I will go there."
Pg: 31. "You have no idea how effective such a ... a ... faculty can be."
Pg: 39. "You know I hate, detest, and can't bear a lie, not because I am straighter than the rest of us, but simply because it appals me."
Pg: 93. "I did not know how truly I spoke."
Pg: 108. "Perhaps it was an impulse of unconscious loyalty..."

Marlow is seen as a traditional hero in this novel. He is portrayed as tough, honest, independent and capable. To the reader he is seen as human because we can identify with him throughout, for ex. when his helmsman is killed, he gets so afraid, anxious and scared, that he takes his shoes off and throws them overboard. Throughout the book Kurtz is mostly seen as an object, whereas Marlow is the one you grow an emotional bond with.

What drew me to the first quote I used? Marlow was already a grown-up when he said this. Traveling, for me personally, enlightens and gives one a bigger perspective on other cultures etc. I think Marlow feels the need to grow on that level, and therefore uses this phrase. It shows the reader that he sees himself as someone who is still learning and growing, mentally. It might even be true of Conrad himself.

It is ironic that Marlow would say that he "detests" a lie. The way he is characterized is of an honest man, one with integrity. And then he tells a lie. Marlow was a younger man when he went to Africa and now he is a sadder, wiser man sitting aboard the Nellie posed like Buddha because he realizes his failure to tell the truth and is seeking to live uprightly. It actually shows Marlow's honesty.

It is mentioned a few times that Europeans in that time went on "Expeditions" to discover new places of meaning. They wanted to leave a legacy behind and feel important. I think Marlow wants to be seen by his peers as someone who has presence. The fact that he thinks it is "powerful" if you can walk in to a room and make people feel "uneasy....