In Conrad’s book, ‘Heart of Darkness’ Marlow can be viewed as a protagonist as he appears in various scenes. He is a character, who cannot be defined easily. For instance, he foresees records of great originality when echoing his Victorian forerunners. Marlow outstands as a strong hero, self-determined and creative thinker, an able and candid man. The writer echoes the words about Marlow by saying that, “Marlow was not typical (if his propensity to spin yarns be excepted), and to him, the meaning of an episode was not inside like a kernel but outside, enveloping the tale. It brought out only as a glow brings out a haze, in the likeness of one of these misty halos that sometimes are made visible by the spectral illumination of moonshine” (Conrad 66). It shows that Marlow is fragmented but hardy. It also implies that the world has taught him to remain drained and pessimistic.
He operates by obeying ‘the rule of hard work and intellect’ by working hard and being intellectual. The readers observes clearly that Marlow is an original and fluent thinker, intelligent and not influenced by Westernization that has been dominating with time. His love and willpower give an everlasting impression, and does not allow anybody to draw his vision away from him, which is the belief that is instilled in the readers’ minds. As Marlow ages with time, his dream grows old as well. The reader realizes slowly the willpower that Marlow had when he fell away into the river together with his childhood dream of being a leader. He would fight all barriers that would hinder him from achieving his dream. Due to his determination to achieve his dream, the reader is made to believe that even age would not deter Marlow from going on with this task. Death is the only probable barrier that could have hindered Marlow from achieving his dream. Unfortunately, Marlow decides to give up and do away with his dream. He believes and assumes that, his dream would not come true in the end (Armstrong 46). His change of mind makes him to believe that his dream is invalid.
Marlow is an expert who applies his skills to repair, conduct and test his deeds and thoughts. He is viewed as a sheer worker, who views work as a distraction that people use as an excuse when trying to evade other alternatives. He links Kurtz and the company men flexibly. He convinces the reader that Kurtz and the company are linked open-mindedly by identifying himself with Kurtz. He serves as an instructor to the reader throughout the book. His linking position is evident in his illness and recovery that he faces strongly. Marlow does not succumb, unlike those who identify and recognize Africa openly; the dimmest inside them. He suffers more than the men form the company, who base their interests in money and development. Marlow is corrupted by his memories through experiences and thus, is destined to repeat his story to willing listeners. Other characters like Kurtz are left doubting their memories since; they differ with Marlow’s version, which earns him a title, ‘the protagonist’ in the book. However, through his charisma, Kurtz wants to rhyme and identify with Marlow.
Marlow’s attitude and contempt towards Africans are visible in the book. It is sensible and logical to argue that the novel ‘Heart of Darkness’ contributes greatly in oppressing Africans, which is more difficult to change than the exposed exploitations of the company’s men and Kurtz as well. Africans are tricked and feel for Marlow’s setting, a hominid display against which he can carry out his metaphysical and existential challenges. I find it disrespectful for Africans to portray a distinctive attitude in their environment, after reviewing the company that Marlow leads. They believe that the level of destruction that incurred would not affect them. Their distinct attitude towards Africans is expressed in the statement, “The conquest of the earth, which mostly means the taking it away from those who have a different complexion or slightly flatter noses than ourselves, is not a pretty thing when you look into it too much” (Conrad 9).
At some point, Marlow can be described as a good leader, who is neither a saint nor ethical or less fortunate. He does not react towards the setup of the African slavery that he experiences, but portrays signs of compassion towards the Africans. For instance, he meets a starving slave and offers him some biscuits. In addition, he handles cannibals from his side with no bias. Marlow ensures that Africans on board do not attack him when Helmsman dies. In this case, Marlow is compassionate towards the native Africans. He also hates the Helmsmen and refers to the Native Africans ‘as a portion of the equipment,’ which is not different to the reservoir. He states that a reader might find this different, but his fairness is illustrated by his statement that, “a savage, who was no more account than a grain of sand in a black Sahara” (Conrad 49). By using words that portray fear, Marlow distinguishes himself from the natives. Marlow is concerned when he reminds them that, Europe was a localized and dark place initially, before he narrates how Africa is localized and primitive. We also realize that Marlow is uncomfortable when regarding Africa as primitive. He becomes more complicated when talking to the manager where, he is served as an unrestrained man by being denied a chair or food. His attitudes get vaguer when he observes Africans, who sing and dance. He views them as common people, and not strangers. He realizes that visitors and savages have mortality as a trait in common.
The element of irony regarding Marlow’s character is visible in the book, for instance, when he receives information about Kurtz. Although he had hated him, he creates a distinctive attitude about him, which makes him adore and admire Kurtz later. He starts losing sight of everyone and develops some illusion towards Kurtz. He also develops a strong feeling of acquaintance towards him and decides to keep him closer. He talks to Kurtz on the need of coming back home, which is an indication that he views him as his kin (Brantlinger 67). He acts opposite of the readers' expectations since he does not hold hatred to Kurtz further. A year after his death, Marlow visits Kurtz’ girlfriend. He finds her mourning and comforts her by telling her that, as Kurtz died, he had called out her name. It is ironical because when Kurtz died, his last words were horrific. Marlow praises Kurtz despite his evil traits, which convinces the girlfriend that he was a good person. Marlow criticizes the Africans, which is ironical because, through his actions, he treats them differently and is compassionate to them. For instance, he gives an African some biscuits.
Marlow expresses cynicism when he goes to convert savages and later converts as well. He claims that he hates lies and cannot withhold a lie, since it leads to death. However, at the end of the novel, we find him lying to Kurtz fiancé. He makes her believe that Kurtz was a nice person and loved her. Marlow is satirical when he tells his aunt to search a job for him, yet he does not want to work. It is odd since he perceives women differently. He believes that women should do house chores and rest. After asking his aunt to give him a job, he states, "Heavens! Well, you see it was the notion that drove me.” (Conrad 4). It depicts that Marlow is lazy since he would have looked for a job personally. Marlow meets a homeless man and shows some pity on him, but later argues and thinks that he is doing wrong, which depicts that his is satirical.
In conclusion, the beautiful and atmospheric nature of language in writing is evident. The book gives a clear indication that, the aspect of ‘race' was ignored. It does not surprise because racism was not considered as relevant in the society. Race thinking was perceived as natural, and many people were blind to it (Brooks 76). Conrad is condemned and labeled a racist; this was because there were claims that, a part of the human race was considered as irrelevant to artwork. Therefore, a trial to create a strong identity for the Africans was considered as important. There was the need to unify the Africans to create such an identity. Marlow bases his concepts on men and does not bother with women. The contradiction in the book sums Marlow's character.
Work Cited
Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness: A Norton Critical Edition. 4th ed. Editor Armstong. New York: W. W. Norton, 2006. Print.
Armstrong, Paul B. Heart of Darkness: A Norton Critical Edition. 4th ed. New York: W. W. Norton, 2006. Print.
Brantlinger, P. “Imperialism, Impressionism, and the Politics of Style” (1988) in Heart of Darkness: A Norton Critical Edition. 4th ed. New York: W. W. Norton, 2006. 386-95. Print.
Brooks, P. “An Unreadable Report: Conrad’s Heart of Darkness” (1984) in Heart of Darkness: A Norton Critical Edition. 4th ed. New York: W. W. Norton, 2006. 376-86. Print.
