The Perception of Kurtz By Michael Martinez, Isabel Rodriguez, Anakin Mares, Katia Quiroz

The primary way Marlow learns about Kurtz Word of Mouth The primary way Marlow learns about Kurtz “I was then rather excited at the prospect of meeting Kurtz very soon” (Pg. 30)

Kurtz: The “extraordinary man” “Then he began again, assuring me Mr. Kurtz was the best agent he had, an exceptional man, of the greatest importance to the company” (Pg. 19) Kurtz’s legend began because of his efficiency as an ivory gatherer. He brought in more ivory for the company than any other agent combined.

Symbolism of Voice Marlow described Kurtz as primarily a voice when imagining him, and even after seeing him the first time he pays particular attention to his voice. “ The volume of tone he emitted without effort...amazed me. A voice! A voice! It was grave, profound, vibrating, while the man did not seem capable of a whisper.” (Pg. 55)

Mysterious, Volatile, Majestic, and Powerful “He is an emissary of pity, and science, and progress, and devil knows what else.” (Pg. 22) “Kurtz--Kurtz--that means short in German--don’t it? Well, the name was as true as everything else in his life--and death. He looked at least seven feet long.” (Pg. 54) Kurtz is revered as a god among men, evident not only in his control over the natives of the Congo, but how Marlow and other agents view him, even when he is wilting away.

Kurtz’s Barbarism “These round knobs were not ornamental but symbolic; they were symbolic of some cruel and forbidden knowledge.” (pg. 70) Marlow’s encounter with the heads on the posts makes him aware of Kurtz’s mentality and lifestyle. It reveals the truth about Kurtz, contradicting all the positive comments and beliefs about his character.

Marlow’s Lie When Kurtz’s fiancee asks Marlow what Kurtz’s last words were, he lies to her, saying that the last thing he said was her name. Many readers have reacted to this lie, giving their own opinion on why Conrad decided to withhold the truth. “The horror! The horror!” was a key point in the novel, but exposing it to another character would serve no good purpose. “Marlow lied to the Intended as an act of compassion. It was a sort of self-sacrificing. He says, ‘...my heart stood still…’ (Conrad 95) signifying a figurative death” -Sara Hart, Prezi “Maybe Marlow knew that by telling her what Kurtz really said, would be considered releasing the darkness into the world, exposing the actions of violence that they committed while in the Congo” -T’Nia Tention, letstalkenglit.blogspot.com