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Essay / Analysis F The character of Kurtz in Heart of Darkness
From his introduction at the beginning of the novel, the character of Kurtz presented himself as a robust personality. In the author's words, Kurtz is a man of "dark pride" (Conrad 2.29) and his eternal will "has consumed his flesh" (Conrad 3.24). Most of Kurtz's character is introduced by Marlow, the narrator and a new traveler into what the audience now calls, the Heart of Darkness. Kurtz was both adored and despised because of his great influence in the Congo. He often appeared hardened and fat to his fellow Europeans as well as to the island's natives. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Overall, despite his rugged appearance, Kurtz has come to be admired for his leadership, his freewheeling spirit, and the salute he shows Marlow. With such ideals, Kurtz's personality tends to stand out among the plethora of "civilized" European officers. Unlike other European leaders, Kurtz saw “primitive” society as more than just a labor force. He creates a personality of superiority and ultimately gains the influence to become a symbol of leadership for the natives. In a situation involving the business manager, Kurtz is criticized for being outgoing and adventurous with his tactics rather than cautious. As the company manager explains: “Mr. Kurtz has done more harm than good to the Company. He did not see that the time had not come for vigorous action. Cautiously, cautiously, that is my principle. However, you have to be careful. The neighborhood is closed to us for a while. Deplorable!" Armout 2 (Conrad 3.19). In this case, what makes Kurtz such a commendable leader is his ability to move away from the practical option to further advance the company's productivity. Kurtz becomes an element essential to this system, so much so that when word gets out that he is ill, repairs to the ship become even more obvious. Overall, in addition to his intention of obtaining personal gain, he designs a system that generates money. success unlike others who followed the cautious and practical path of leadership Although his leadership lies above the surface, his freewheeling spirit is what drives Kurtz through his indeferences throughout. story. novel. Such a spirit can only be revealed through a man's behavior and intentions. Kurtz's actions were guided by two principles: superiority and the end product. In a way, Kurtz represents. a voracious hurricane destined to drag European ideals to a calm and peaceful Congo. As the hurricane grows, the winds intensify, the debris becomes more and more unpredictable, ultimately turning action into desire. Kurtz's determination not only intimidates the Congolese people, but also the brickmakers who fear him as a threat to their position on the ship. From the beginning of the novel, Marlow blindly followed Kurtz's example. He first describes him as "I was curious to see his eagerness and reluctance mixed together... The man filled his life, preoccupied his thoughts, and influenced his emotions" (Conrad 3.2). Marlow viewed Kurtz as an investigation waiting to be solved. Kurtz attracted attention, however, his actions changed Marlow in unexpected ways. Later in the plot, Marlow realizes the wrongfulness of Kurtz's intentions, particularly his thirst for greed and power. Marlow, in a way, begins to resent such a notion. Kurtz represents the African civet, which preys on the weak for their own gain. Its looming shadow blocks the drifting breezes of formerly Congian society 3.12).