This second part of chapter one shows a shift in Marlow's character. At the beginning, Marlow was appalled at the brutality of this imperial system he has never encountered before. He is very focused on this new life of his and is trying to experience as much of the new things as possible. But in this second section, the system of imperialism is no longer new to him. He has been around it for awhile and has begun to become accustomed to it. This shows through as he travels towards the Central Station, where he shows a loss of all abandon and care for the African people and how they are being treated. This is then enhanced by the fact that he nonchalantly shrugs off the fact that his boat has been submerged. Marlow begins to realize that this is just the way things are and that he simply has to deal with them, even if he doesn't agree with them.
Another important aspect of the story arises in this section: Mr. Kurtz. This man appears elusive to Marlow, yet, through the dialogue of the other characters, Marlow understands the power that Mr. Kurtz has. He is a man who almost becomes a legend to Marlow because of his power and mysteriousness. However, Marlow does not see any true component of Mr. Kurtz as substantial. This correlates directly with his comparison of the people he meets in the station. Marlow describes these people as “paper mache,” and “hollow.” I think this may relate to how everyone wants to fill Mr. Kurtz position when he is finally promoted. Mr Kurtz is empty and hollow, similar to how his position will be soon. Also, I think that this “hollow” personality may, as we find out more about Mr. Kurtz, his official job in Africa, and his imperialistic system, describe a possible callous attitude towards the Africans that is accented by an unending feeling of greed. I think that Mr. Kurtz is a man who is hollow because he feels no remorse or feelings for the Africans that he treats poorly and is only focused on money, with no important or valuable characteristics or traits. It seems almost as though Mr. Kurtz may have a heart of darkness..... probably not but it was worth a shot.
Another important aspect of the story arises in this section: Mr. Kurtz. This man appears elusive to Marlow, yet, through the dialogue of the other characters, Marlow understands the power that Mr. Kurtz has. He is a man who almost becomes a legend to Marlow because of his power and mysteriousness. However, Marlow does not see any true component of Mr. Kurtz as substantial. This correlates directly with his comparison of the people he meets in the station. Marlow describes these people as “paper mache,” and “hollow.” I think this may relate to how everyone wants to fill Mr. Kurtz position when he is finally promoted. Mr Kurtz is empty and hollow, similar to how his position will be soon. Also, I think that this “hollow” personality may, as we find out more about Mr. Kurtz, his official job in Africa, and his imperialistic system, describe a possible callous attitude towards the Africans that is accented by an unending feeling of greed. I think that Mr. Kurtz is a man who is hollow because he feels no remorse or feelings for the Africans that he treats poorly and is only focused on money, with no important or valuable characteristics or traits. It seems almost as though Mr. Kurtz may have a heart of darkness..... probably not but it was worth a shot.
Jacob, I'm also fascinated by this Mr. Kurtz. He has been mentioned by so many characters and built up to an almost legendary status. I'm just waiting for his introduction so I can stop being frustrated by this mystery man. But knowing how depressing this story is, he's probably going to turn out to be some unimpressive low life that has a big ego.
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