Marlow's initial goal is simply to pilot a steamboat on
the Congo River; however, once he arrives in Africa, he discovers that his goal is to
travel to the Inner Station and bring out Kurtz, the most successful station manager,
who is ill. Ivory, which comes from elephant tusks, is what the company seeks. I'm not
sure what you mean by "elephant trunk in the ship." Kurtz has gathered more ivory than
any other agent for the company.
To reach Kurtz, Marlow
must overcome a number of obstacles, including a 200-mile trek by foot overland
accompanied by natives, some of whom abandon him; the discovery that his steamboat has
been sunk (he suspects the manager of the Central Station aims to prevent Kurtz's rescue
so that this manager can be promoted to Kurtz's position) and he must wait for weeks for
the rivets he needs to repair the boat; an attack by natives orchestrated by Kurtz, who
doesn't want to go home; the disturbing discovery that Kurtz has been tainted with evil
and participated in "unspeakable rites" with the natives who virtually worship him; and
ultimately Kurtz's death on the boat shortly after they leave the Inner Station. Then
Marlow is faced with the dilemma of whether to tell Kurtz's Intended (his fiancee) the
truth about how he changed while living in Africa, a particularly tough choice for
Marlow who "hates a lie."
In the course of his journey,
Marlow learns a great deal about human nature and about himself. Although the novel's
title may refer to the Congo in Africa, it can also be applied to the heart of man, who
carries the potential for evil, as Marlow finds out. Almost everyone that Marlow meets
during his journey is tainted with some degree of moral corruption, whether it is seen
in racism, cruelty, greed, or indifference.
No comments:
Post a Comment