Realization of Inner Evil in Joseph Conrads Heart of...

Realization of Inner Evil in Heart of Darkness It was said by Thomas Moser that in order to truly be alive one must recognize the truth, the darkness, the evil and the death within (Moser, 156). Joseph Conrads novel, Heart of Darkness, goes very far to explain and prove this statement. During the novel the reader takes part in a spiritual and inner journey through Africa and the mind of the protagonist, Marlow. As a consequence of his newly gained knowledge and experience he is able to exhibit his understanding of life and recount his journey into Africa. The Heart of Darkness explores the idea of self-discovery and the realization of inner evil through the characters Kurtz and Marlow and through the exploration of the dark†¦show more content†¦Near the end of the novel Kurtz, who has acted as Marlows teacher, dies. His dying body can be seen as the very definition of evil in the world and in the human heart. Looking at the dying body, Marlow can see pride, terror, power, despair, desire, temptation and evil. Kurtz then sums up his whole existence by breathing the words, The Horror! The Horror! (Conrad, 112). In saying those last words Kurtz is confirming his realization of his own inner evil. To Marlow this realization is in itself a victory for Kurtz. The departure of Kurtz leaves Marlow to grope blindly and alone through the darkness of his existence (Dowden, 159). Marlows journey of self discovery begins with his assignment to travel into the heart of Africa in order to find Kurtz. As Marlow travels down the nameless river, his realization and education about himself and Kurtz slowly begins. On the river he is confronted by a wide variety of people who, to Marlow, seem dark and uncivilized. He even refers to the pilgrims as savages and hollow men. He is surprised by their lifestyle because they lack values and dignity. For two months Marlow experiences their lifestyle and he grows to despise it. He realizes that is he surrounded by darkness and the only escape is through experience and knowledge. At the close of Marlows journey of self discovery he finds himself in a conflict with KurtzsShow MoreRelatedCritical Analysis Of Heart Of Darkness1107 Words   |  5 Pages2017   Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚   Heart of Darkness Inner evil   Ã‚  Ã‚   Heart of Darkness, a novel written by Joseph Conrad, tells the story of a character named Marlow, who is recalling his journey to Africa down the Congo River to a group of seamen on a boat. Joseph Conrad’s characters are constructed around the ideas that were present in society when the novel was written. 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