Heart Of Darkness Essay: Outline

Mariana Goncalves

Mr. George

AP Literature

5 October 2013

Heart of Darkness: Outline (Prompt 2)

Thesis: There is a clear complex connection between Kurtz and Marlow as is represented by the details in the physical setting, the juxtaposition of light and dark throughout the novel and their similar backgrounds. All of these factors cause Marlow to become fixated on Kurtz.

A. An essential aspect of Kurtz and Marlow's connection is the idea of enlightenment, which is thoroughly portrayed in Myth of the Cave.

     I. “Picture men dwelling in a sort of subterranean cavern with a long entrance open to the light on its entire width. Conceive them as having their legs and necks fettered from childhood, so that they remain in               the same spot” (MYTH OF CAVE)

         a) The Europeans have their set morals and intentions, and they want to influence other civilizations   with their ideals. They are blinded by their own hubris and are unaware of the fact that they are in a             cave.

     II. “The point was in his being a gifted creature, and that of all his gifts the one that stood out                   preeminently, was his ability to talk […]  the gift of expression, the bewildering, the illuminating, the             most exalted...” (Conrad 124).
          a) The more he discovers, the more he wants to meet him and ultimately idealizes him. In juxtaposition to Myth of the Cave, Kurtz exemplifies the light outside of the cave.

 B. The setting is an important factor which correlates with the connection between Marlow and Kurtz          because the closer Marlow gets to the center of Africa, the closer he gets to Kurtz.

     I. The yarns of seamen have a direct simplicity, the whole meaning of which lies within the shell of a         cracked nut […] and to him the meaning of an episode was not inside like a kernel but outside”                   (Conrad 68)

         a) Kurtz is a representation of the kernel inside the shell of the nut. The Europeans symbolically signify   the outer shell, which disinterests Marlow and impels him to seek Kurtz.

C. Kurtz is the leading portrayal of what a lack of civilization can do to an individual; this intrigues Marlow     due to their similarities of origin and background.

     I.  “how can you imagine what particular region of the first ages a man's untrammelled feet may take him into by the way of solitude  utter solitude without a policeman  by the way of silence  utter silence,           where no warning voice of a kind neighbour can be heard whispering of public opinion? These little               things make all the great difference” (Conrad 126).

         a) The savage setting has afflicted Kurtz to such a degree, that he no longer has the precaution of       thinking before he acts. Without civilization, he can essentially set up his own rules and set his own                moral standards for himself because no one is around to judge or argue with his choices.

D. One's ability to speak persuasively can get them very far; Kurtz is known by all of his admirers for being an eloquent and effective speaker, which captures Marlow's attention.

     I.  “'There was a sense of extreme disappointment, as though I had found out I had been striving after something altogether without a substance'” (Conrad 123).

         a) Marlow's obsession with Kurtz's voice also derives from the fact that he has no interest in what the Company is doing. What the Company is there to do has no substance and no genuine motive; Marlow's only motive is Kurtz.