"Heart of Darkness" commentary. This extract belongs to part 3 of the book, at the end when Kurtzs health is deteriorating rapidly and he is lying on his sickbed. Although it is a fairly short extract, it is dense with information and imagery whi
HEART OF DARKNESS
Extract 4
This extract belongs to part 3 of the book, at the end when Kurtz’s health is deteriorating rapidly and he is lying on his sickbed. Although it is a fairly short extract, it is dense with information and imagery which is very typical of Conrad’s writing style. The author’s use of different literary techniques such as juxtaposition and powerful, vivid imagery that appeal to our senses aids the reader in the exploration of a number of themes in the novel such as: spiritual and physical deterioration as a result of Imperialism, good versus evil, the uncertainty of emotions...
The extract begins with Marlow’s talk with Kurtz beside Kurtz’s soon to be deathbed. The author describes that Marlow as “startled” at Kurtz’ desperate words which are spoken out “tremulously” allowing the reader to have a better comprehension of Kurtz’s personality. Marlow’s surprise at Kurtz’s softness and despair implies that Kurtz has hitherto been a dominant and perhaps ruthless figure. In this particular situation, “darkness” as a motif regularly used in the novel symbolizes “death” as Kurt says “I am lying here in the dark, waiting for death”. Death and darkness create a very sorrowful and somber atmosphere for the scene and the fact that Kurtz speaks out these powerless words himself can produce a sense of empathy from the reader. Kurtz may have been a wicked man but perhaps now he is appealing to the reader for forgiveness and seems to admit that goodness has triumphed over evil. Kurtz’s physical and mental deterioration can be also explained by the fact that he is driven by the imperialistic motives in exploiting the African people which exemplifies the theme “spiritual and physical deterioration as a result of Imperialism”.
