Let us begin with Marlow, the first character in Heart of Darkness with whom we truly become acquainted. ... Despite Marlow's determination to boast of his experiences, it is perhaps most imperative to note that he honestly earned for himself a kind of "dark wisdom" in the Congo that was absent before his employment there (Graver 88), which is vital in giving full credit to the events that took place on that winding jungle river as life-changing forces in Marlow's life. ... Whether his discomfort was a result of the eeriness that came from each of these supporting characters in so...

• Word Count: 2372
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: High School

This leads us to the character of Kurtz. ... By calling Africa an "enigma" he recognizes that these natives have their own identity and character which should be understood, or at least accepted by the white man. ... The whole concept of colonialism, along with the character of Kurtz solidifies the idea of the "Modernist crises". ... As Marlow progresses through the jungle, he comes to associate the unconscious with evil. As Hena Maes-Jelinek points out in her York Notes accompaniment to "Heart of Darkness", the idea of the unconscious is first presented by the doctor who examines Marlow. ...

• Word Count: 1769
• Approx Pages: 7