In the first fifteen pages of “Heart of Darkness,” the ocean is constantly referred to as a river, maybe because it seems to be never-ending. Sailors know what the river feels, and they think of it almost like a woman they love and take care of it. They only ever want to sail on the huge ocean that lays ahead of them, it is their life and their passion. Marlow mentions his aunt frequently and other women as well, speaking of them highly, being full of wisdom and intelligence.
When Marlow was younger he decided he wanted to sail, so his aunt helped him find a job. What came next he was not expecting. He began sailing on a large steam- boat, and began hearing about men constantly dying of fever and other illnesses on the ships, and in the countries they were going to. This scared him, he was young after all. He hitched a ride from another ship nearby to get to his base, and the captain did not seem to like that company’s intentions.
When Marlow got to set foot in these other countries he witnessed prisoners, disease, and death. He goes in the opposite direction from where these terrible things are happening, overwhelmed and scared. Marlow has a strong passion for the sea and sailing, but this may be too much for him to handle. He was watching men die and couldn’t handle it anymore, when he ran into the Company’s chief accountant, a very clean man, which made him feel happy and secure.
- Megan Burch
Megan, I think the way you've zeroed in on Marlow's callow character in the beginning of the story is good. I would keep looking out for changes you see in his character as the story continues. I'll be interested to see what you think of him by the end of the novella. I would also encourage you to think about irony and Conrad's tone as you keep reading. Especially if you see outrageous contrasts between what someone says/thinks and the situation at hand, ask yourself why.
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