Kurtz resembles the archetypal "evil genius": the highly gifted but ultimately degenerate individual whose fall is the stuff of legend. ... Kurtz can be criticized in the same terms that Heart of Darkness is sometimes criticized: style entirely overrules substance, providing a justification for amorality and evil. ... His perverse honesty leads to his downfall, as his success threatens to expose the evil practices behind European activity in Africa. ...

• Word Count: 3088
• Approx Pages: 12
• Grade Level: Undergraduate