The Loyalty of Marlow to Kurtz: Unraveling the Motives

Marlow’s unwavering loyalty to Kurtz, the enigmatic character in Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness,” is a subject of fascination and intrigue. In this article, we delve into the motivations behind Marlow’s steadfast commitment and explore the complexities of their relationship.

The Journey into Darkness

Marlow firmly believes that only someone who has embarked on a similar journey into the depths of their own self can truly understand Kurtz’s actions and motivations. By confronting the darkest recesses of the human psyche, Marlow forms a deep connection with Kurtz, leading to his unwavering loyalty.

A Remarkable Figure

Kurtz stands as a remarkable figure in Marlow’s eyes. Despite the controversy surrounding Kurtz’s actions in Africa, Marlow considers him a man with something profound to say. Marlow, on the other hand, feels a sense of insignificance in comparison. This admiration for Kurtz’s unique voice and message contributes to Marlow’s loyalty and his desire to protect Kurtz’s legacy.

The Power of Final Words

Kurtz’s final words, “The horror!”, resonate deeply with Marlow. Marlow interprets these words as a sincere expression of the pain, suffering, and disillusionment that Kurtz has experienced. The raw and powerful nature of these words strengthens Marlow’s loyalty, as he sees them as a profound revelation of the darkness within humanity.

Respect for Kurtz and His Family

Marlow’s loyalty extends not only to Kurtz but also to his family. When faced with the task of informing Kurtz’s mourning wife about his last words, Marlow chooses to protect Kurtz’s reputation. By lying and stating that Kurtz’s final utterance was her name, Marlow shows his deep respect for Kurtz and his family. This decision demonstrates his loyalty and his desire to shield them from the darker aspects of Kurtz’s journey.

Conclusion

The loyalty of Marlow to Kurtz in “Heart of Darkness” is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. It is rooted in Marlow’s shared journey into the depths of self, his admiration for Kurtz’s remarkable nature, the resonance of Kurtz’s final words, and his respect for Kurtz and his family. Through these elements, Conrad explores the intricacies of human loyalty and the depths to which it can extend.

Sources:

1. CliffsNotes. “Summary and Analysis: Part 3.” Retrieved from https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/h/heart-of-darkness/summary-and-analysis/part-3-3.
2. Osmithaplit. “Marlow’s Loyalty to Kurtz.” Retrieved from http://osmithaplit.blogspot.com/2017/08/marlows-loyalty-to-kurtz.html.
3. Medium. “The Enigma of Marlowe in Joseph Conrad’s ‘The Heart Of Darkness’.” Retrieved from https://medium.com/@mqsn/the-enigma-of-marlowe-in-joseph-conrads-the-heart-of-darkness-ba90c6d75ead.

FAQs

What factors contribute to Marlow’s loyalty to Kurtz?

Marlow’s loyalty to Kurtz is influenced by various factors such as their shared journey into the depths of self, admiration for Kurtz’s remarkable nature, resonance with Kurtz’s final words, and respect for Kurtz and his family.

Why does Marlow believe understanding Kurtz’s journey is crucial for his loyalty?

Marlow believes that only someone who has embarked on a similar journey into the depths of their own self can truly comprehend Kurtz’s actions and motivations. This shared experience forms a deep connection between Marlow and Kurtz.

What makes Kurtz a remarkable figure in Marlow’s eyes?

Despite the controversy surrounding Kurtz’s actions in Africa, Marlow considers him remarkable because he has something profound to say. Marlow, in comparison, feels a sense of insignificance. This admiration for Kurtz’s unique voice and message contributes to Marlow’s loyalty.

How do Kurtz’s final words impact Marlow’s loyalty?

Kurtz’s final words, “The horror!”, deeply resonate with Marlow. He interprets them as a sincere expression of the pain, suffering, and disillusionment that Kurtz has experienced. These words strengthen Marlow’s loyalty, as he sees them as a profound revelation of the darkness within humanity.

How does Marlow demonstrate respect for Kurtz and his family?

Marlow’s loyalty extends to Kurtz’s family as well. When faced with the task of informing Kurtz’s mourning wife about his last words, Marlow chooses to protect Kurtz’s reputation. He lies and states that Kurtz’s final utterance was her name, showing his respect for Kurtz and his family.