“And this also," said Marlow suddenly, "has been one of the dark places of the earth.” This quote continued to stand out to me throughout our entire reading of the book due to the initial paradoxical sense it created and its location. Conrad chose to place this towards the very beginning, just as Marlow has set sail down the Thames with his eager crew aboard as he is about to recount a journey worth paying close attention to, setting the ideal platform the inclusion of this quote.. Marlow only feels that he is entering this area of darkness for a lifelong desire for exploration and also the opportunity to obtain wealth while working for a respected company. Also, he is able to take this opportunity only after a previous captain was murdered, I feel like Fresleven's murder and the nature in which it occurred was also a crucial scene. Because he makes this statement to his listeners, he is foreshadowing what is to come which I also noticed had a strong connection to the elements of nature surrounding them as they have begun to sail out into the river. It is repeated that a "brooding gloom" is in the sky around them with the almost certain promise that it will continue to grow throughout their travel and it definitely does, it begins to mirror Marlow's first perception of The Congo with his final view and the drastic contrast amongst them. Due to its connection with this element and several others found throughout the novel, such as the Grove of Death and the continuation of severity within each station, I feel that this quote could be used as an example in several different aspects each with concrete evidence, solidifying it as the one that fully stood out to me the most.
I love this quote, simply because of the mysterious and foreboding tone it carries. Marlow says it immediately following the narrators bright and cheery description of his view of the ocean and the life and opportunity it carries. Such a stark contrast was very shocking. Also, by the end of the book, the reader really comes to an understanding of the reasons behind why Marlow said this, and the overwhelming truth and complexity behind his simple statement. I believe that this quote would be the type of excerpt that could be printed on the back of the book, to hook the reader's attention.
“I saw on that ivory face the expression of sombre pride, of ruthless power, of craven terror- of an intense and hopeless despair. Did he live his life again in every detail of desire, temptation, and surrender during that supreme moment of complete knowledge? He cried in a whisper at some image, at some vision- he cried out twice, a cry that was no more than a breath- ‘The horror! The horror!’ “ These last words from Kurtz are the reason that Marlow becomes/stays so loyal to Kurtz after he dies. Throughout the novel Marlow constantly sees and meets colonizers who are unable to see the truth behind there actions and are illusioned to the savagery they commit. In some of his last moments Kurtz is the first person Marlow has met who is able to recognize and fully process the savagery he has committed and the depths his soul fell to when the jungle overtook him; his words “The horror! The horror!” show Marlow this. By being able to recognize the destruction he created and by possessing the strength to pull himself out of the illusions he’s emerged himself in for so long Kurtz becomes more of an enigma to Marlow then he was before. For the last time Kurtz sets himself apart/ above the rest of the men in the novel. This insures that Marlow will never write Kurtz off or forget him in the future; while on his deathbed Kurtz immortalizes himself in Marlow’s mind/memory. Despite the time that has past the novel shows us that Marlow still thinks about and analyzes this last interaction he had with Kurtz. This quote finally explains why Marlow has remained loyal to Kurtz’s memory after all this time and despite all the destruction he caused and also why he is so fixated on Kurtz.
I'm glad you made the point on Kurtz' last words explaining why Marlow remained so loyal all this time. It makes so much sense. I agree that Kurtz' last words showed that he realized the evil of the jungle and what it had done to him, making him different from the rest. The fact that Marlow says "Did he live his life again...during that supreme moment of complete knowledge?" This makes me think that he is just now realizing these things. So, how do we know that every dying man here doesn't recognize these things? Therefore, how do we know that this really made him different? I feel like that is a weak argument, but it just came to me and maybe it's a possible one.
Tessa, I discussed this same quote too! Marlow's loyalty reminds of the Russian's loyalty to Kurtz. I wonder if maybe the Russian also sees this idea of "coming full circle" in Kurtz. And if he does, I wonder where he recognizing this quality in Kurtz. Possibly in the mans voice and persuasive words. As well as possibly in his attitude towards the Wilderness Women.
"He has to live in the midst of the incomprehensible,which is also detestable. And it has a fascination, too, that goes to work upon him. The fascination of the abomination - you know, imagine the growing regrets, the longing to escape, the powerless disgust, the surrender, the hate." This quote really resonated with me throughout the novel. It was said at the beginning and the rest of the book developed this concept that the fascination will draw one in and eventually turn them into an abomination themselves. The obvious example of this would be Kurtz in how the jungle drove him into madness and turned him into an extremely savage person. Kurtz's last words were "The horror! The horror!"and this highlighted how even Kurtz recognized that the jungle had driven him to do terrible things. The jungle is such a wild, intense environment that the Europeans find it very difficult to resist the savageness it can instill. They are used to being bound by social conventions so being completely free in the jungle made a lot of them go kind of crazy. They are fascinated by how there is nothing holding them back from committing acts they previously would have thought of as horrendous and in this fascination, a lot of them end up giving in to it and actually doing these terrible things. For example, Kurtz being in the jungle led to him putting the heads of natives on stakes around the yard of the Central Station which is something that he never would have dreamed of doing in European society. In the end, he regretted doing such awful things, but being "in the midst of the incomprehensible" definitely changed him for the worst and brought out savage parts of himself that he probably didn't know existed. The whole book showed how the jungle made the Europeans unrecognizable from their old self and this quote really foreshadowed all the horrors that were to come.
Although short and simple, I believe "devotion to efficiency" is the most important quote throughout the novel. This quote is what links the dark and light societies together and explains the evil of human nature, which is a theme of the book. Whether in the jungle or in the city, we are all determined to be successful in our own way. We are all devoted to being efficient in some way. This quote also explains every action made throughout the book. People go to the jungle to make money, hunt ivory to make money, commit violent actions to gain "respect," and manipulate others in order to be promoted. All of these things are done with intentions of being efficient. The book itself revolves around this quote.
I agree this is a very important quote. The whole idea of the devotion to efficiency was obviously a major theme throughout the whole story. It helps show the convoluted nature of the pilgrims as they are the least efficient people in the story who can do practically nothing on their own despite their immense greed for ivory. The pilgrims lack of efficiency is one of the main reasons for their insanity. This idea also shows the contrast between Marlow and some of the other colonizers; Marlow is able to keep enough of his sanity, because of his focus on work, to not fall into the illusion of the wilderness that the other have.
"What saves us is efficiency—the devotion to efficiency." That quote serves as the motivation behind the main character, Marlow. It serves as his restraint and keeps him from going hollow. It is what separated him from men such as the General Manager of the store. Throughout the book, we see a return to this devotion. It is why he detests the pilgrims: he is bored out of his mind during the months at the central station where he has nothing to do and cannot get the rivets to fix his ship while the pilgrims are complacent with wandering around with nothing to do. It allows him to resist the paw strokes of madness. While every one around him is caught up in the madness and begins dancing around, he realizes that he has too much work to do and can't spare the time to do such a thing. It gives Marlow a sense of purpose and identity in the jungle, and gives him something to cling to so that he does not go mad.
Kyle, I also think this is a very important quote. Marlow was protected by his "devotion to efficiency," which greatly contrasted the behavior of the pilgrims. They were greedy for the wealth they could acquire through ivory, yet they were lazy and never did any work. Because Marlow never became hollow like the rest, he never acted cruelly towards the natives. Marlow would have lost his mind had it not been for his work ethic, and if that had happened, he may not have survived the Congo and suffered a fate like Kurtz's. Insanity is what much of Heart of Darkness revolves around, yet Marlow never faces much more than the "playful pawstrokes of the wilderness" because of his devotion to efficiency.
"I found myself back in the sepulchral city resenting the sight of people hurrying through the streets to filch a little money from each other, to devour their infamous cookery, to gulp their unwholesome beer, to dream their insignificant and silly dreams." -Marlow
This quote shows the change of worldview that Marlow experiences from going to the Congo. High European society seems meaningless to one who has seen the true darkness of humanity, so Marlow sees the selfishness and greed of the people of Brussels. This same greed is expressed through the many imperial conquests of Belgium and other European countries. Marlow, having left for Africa with the hope of adventure and intent of helping the Congolese, now sees the horrible nature of Imperialism and the lies told to prevent people from understanding the monstrosities. Unlike Kurtz and many others, Marlow survived his ordeals in Africa, but because he now sees through the shallowness of society, Marlow can never live the same way again. Unfortunately for Marlow, almost everything in Europe will seem artificial to him for the rest of his life, though this may be better than forever living ignorant to the horrors taking place in the Congo.
Andrew, I agree that this is a significant quote. It compares Marlow with the rest of the Europeans, but also with himself before he went into the jungle. Before, he was not necessarily at home in the city but he fit in. He had world needs, such as his need of want and desire fore exploration that drove him in to the Congo. I agree that he is now capable of seeing through the thin ideals of society that prized money about all things. After the terrible experiences in the jungle, such as in the Grove of Death, and coming under attack by natives, the troubles of the society in Brussels seem trifle. He saw how horribly the natives of the Congo were treated just to satisfy the desire for wealth held by the people he has gone back to. The jungle and his experiences in it changed him, and this quote does an excellent job of illustrating how.
I agree Andrew, Marlow will never be the same after his experience in the Congo. Now the life he once lived before his trip that used to be so normal for him is now so silly and pitiful. I can only imagine what it would be like to view such horrific things and then come back to a world that seemed so oblivious and blind to the truth. It would annoy me to come back to people carrying on with their luxurious lives, happy and ignorant after seeing how the savages lived and the experiences they endured in the Congo.
I agree with you Andrew. This quote shows major character development in Marlow and how he views society after he returns from the Congo. He now sees the ignorance and shallowness of European Imperialistic society, seeing that they are oblivious to the horrors that are happening. The people could be seen as symbols of their countries, showing their greed and ignorance to the injustices and horrors they are causing. This ignorance of the people rises new questions of the reader of is is good to be ignorant of these horrors or know of these and see the ignorance of others.
This is one of my favorite parts of the novel. Marlow returns to the city disillusioned and pretty much disgusted - he finally sees through the Europea façade and he scorns it. He sees the city as a tomb, responsible for the death of thousands, hence the "tomb-like" imagery.
After reading the Heart of Darkness, I believe the single most important quote is "The horror! The horror!" This was said by Kurtz right before he dies. This statement he made before his death shows how the man has come full circle. He started his journey into the heart of darkness with the idea of bringing civilization to the natives which is discussed in his letter to the ISSSC. When he reaches the heart of darkness, the inner station takes ahold of him and his inner savagery. He had no restraints or constraints here and allowed the darkness of the wilderness to possess him. He later adds to his letter "exterminate the brutes". This shows his character shift. Shows how he is no longer the man he used to be. However on his death bed, the man is able to see just how awful his acts were. He expresses this realization when he says "The horror!" This is why Marlow respects the man so much. The fact that Kurtz was able to enter the heart of darkness, have the darkness within him, and still recognize this impresses Marlow.
I definitely agree! This was a major turning point in Marlow's view of Kurtz. I think this relates to my quote, because my quote describes when Marlow is beginning to understand what the jungle has revealed in the men that are surrounded by it. Kurtz also discovers this, but too late to go back and change his savage transformation. I think that is why he says "The horror! The horror!" He has come to the shocking revelation that men, not just the natives, are truly savage. As you said, the darkness in the men is, in fact, more horrific than the physical darkness of the jungle.
This quote, along with mine, related to the madness which is the most important theme you need to get out of Heart of Darkness while reading it. I like how you explained that this is why Marlow respects him so much. I didn’t realize that being able to live and breathe and also having that darkness within him was one of the reasons Marlow respects him. However, I feel like the respect wasn’t necessarily needed as it is only in the last few breaths of life that Kurtz has his moral reality check.
“I’ve seen the devil of violence… of greed… of hot desire… there were… the devils that swayed and drove men.” I believe that this is one of the most important quotes in Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. Marlow chronicles his transformation from naivety to possessing a true understanding of the true nature of men; and it isn’t pretty. Although some may have originally travelled to Africa for noble reasons such as opportunity, adventure, or love, they were all corrupted once removed from the constraints of their past lives. Marlow says this quote following his important speech about the policeman and the butcher – keeping the delicate balance between order and chaos. True natures were revealed as they all became overtaken will hot desire (lust), greed, and violence (wrath) – all belonging on the list of the seven deadly sins. This transformation is not confined to the time and place that Marlow describes; but applies universally to how most human beings, no matter how kind or wise, may react once taken to a place where there are no consequences, no one to answer to for their transgressions, no one to repent to for their sins. This is why Marlow is able to generalize men as a whole as being swayed by these temptations, not just the men he has observed in Africa. He has reached the understanding that this darkness is hidden deep inside everyone, no matter how well hidden it is behind tall columns, white cufflinks, and ivory pianos. This quote sums up everything that Marlow’s long and treacherous has taught him about men. They are not pure, they are not strong, and they do not restrain themselves against temptation, but merely succumb to the darkest depths of their desires when they are no longer under the constraints of civilization. And this is the horrific, beautiful truth that the jungle reveals.
I love your analysis of this quote! Furthering it, I believe that each European man in the Congo had his own "devil." For Kurtz, it would be the "devil of greed" because he loved "his" ivory while for the Manager it would be another "devil," perhaps one of appearances. Whatever "devil" man has, it is revealed and controls the man when he is not in social constraints.
"He has to live in the midst of the incomprehensible,which is also detestable. And it has a fascination, too, that goes to work upon him. The fascination of the abomination - you know, imagine the growing regrets, the longing to escape, the powerless disgust, the surrender, the hate." This quote really resonated with me throughout the novel. It was said at the beginning and the rest of the book developed this concept that the fascination will draw one in and eventually turn them into an abomination themselves. The obvious example of this would be Kurtz in how the jungle drove him into madness and turned him into an extremely savage person. Kurtz's last words were "The horror! The horror!"and this highlighted how even Kurtz recognized that the jungle had driven him to do terrible things. The jungle is such a wild, intense environment that the Europeans find it very difficult to resist the savageness it can instill. They are used to being bound by social conventions so being completely free in the jungle made a lot of them go kind of crazy. They are fascinated by how there is nothing holding them back from committing acts they previously would have thought of as horrendous and in this fascination, a lot of them end up giving in to it and actually doing these terrible things. For example, Kurtz being in the jungle led to him putting the heads of natives on stakes around the yard of the Central Station which is something that he never would have dreamed of doing in European society. In the end, he regretted doing such awful things, but being "in the midst of the incomprehensible" definitely changed him for the worst and brought out savage parts of himself that he probably didn't know existed. The whole book showed how the jungle made the Europeans unrecognizable from their old self and this quote really foreshadowed all the horrors that were to come.
I also think this quote is extremely important because it's what keeps these men down in Africa. The whole novel takes us on the journey with Marlow to see how his own fascination turns him into an abomination. Despite the "disgust, surrender, the hate," he stays. Something entices him to stay and become a part of the abomination. Something I have always wondered is did he assume that it would not happen to him? Did he always intend to be an "outsider" who had no accountability? Each step further down the river brings Marlow closer and closer to his own abomination. He is further pulled into the business of it all, the hate of it all. Seeing Kurtz swallowed by his own nature is the only thing that saves him from being buried with Kurtz. The fascination with the abomination is the river, continually keeping the path onward to the center of darkness.
"They grabbed what they could get for the sake of what was to be got. It was just robbery with violence, aggravated murder on a great scale, and men going at it blind- as it is very proper for those who tackle a darkness."
I chose this quote as the most significant because it refers to the Pilgrims and other European men greedily retrieving ivory and other goods for the sake of wealth. They murdered the natives and robbed them of their usual ways of life by interfering and invading the Congo with no remorse. The "darkness" that they tackled blindly could represent more than one thing, which is why this quote is so important. One way to interpret the darkness is the wilderness within the Congo and the savages that live within it. They are unvicilized in the eyes of the Europeans due to their drastic differences in their ways of living and customs. Another way to interpret the darkness is the darkness within their hearts and souls. The intent within their minds to gather ivory and become wealthy while rremaining apathetic towards the natives conveys the evil within the Europeans. The "blindness" that the quote mentions is important throughout the entire novel. It represents the Europeans failure to understand the terror that ensues from their actions. Despite their notion that they were "civilizing" the savages, all the Europeans were doing was invading the home of African people who were already their own for of "civilized". This quote highlites the main aspects of the novel, from the darkness of the Congo and the mens souls to the blindness of the Europeans.
I completely agree, this quote is very important because it highlights numerous themes within the novel. I really like your analysis of the "blindness" of the pilgrims because ironically, they thought they saw better in the darkness, but it only added to the horrors they committed. I also think that this quote is primarily referring to the ivory which was so sought after, despite the cost. Although the men attempted to tackle darkness, they were consumed by it, which as you said, enveloped their "hearts and souls".
"Perhaps I had a little fever, too. One can't live with one's finger everlastingly on one's pulse. I had often 'a little fever,' or a little touch of other things—the playful paw-strokes of the wilderness, the preliminary trifling before the more serious onslaught which came in due course."
This quote seemed to be the single most important quote throughout the novel as it illuminated the role of Nature and the tole that it seemed to take upon the minds of the "pilgrims". In context, this quote refers to the temptations of cannibalism that Marlow and the other men endured upon the expedition. Despite being one of the only men "devoted to efficiency", even Marlow seemed to be slowly losing grasp of his sanity, as the Doctor seemed to predict earlier within the novel. Though he did everything in his power to avoid contributing to the horrors, he still, for the most part unknowingly, was influenced and changed by the "playfulness" of Nature. Additionally, this quote is extremely significant because it illuminate the major theme of "madness". Based off this quote, Nature is personified as an animal toying with its prey. Instead of leading them to their death, it delays and plays with the men, letting the madness run its course so that it can control them and unite them together. For Kurtz, once madness set in, he became one with the "wilderness". Perhaps this is why he became ill and failed to survive the voyage home, no longer with something he was apart and dependent of. The "wilderness", or Nature, shaped the minds of the men through this madness and as a result, left them debatably for the better and worse.
I think the "playful paw-strokes" is the most important quote because it centers around the theme of madness. The image I get when I read that quote is a kitten pawing at you and clawing you softly out of affection, not meanness. However, if you aggravate the kitten, he may sink the claws into you out of meanness. This is the same idea as the "playful paw-strokes" in the wilderness; the brief flashes of insanity Marlow experiences, such as when he thinks of strangling Kurtz and beating him, is nothing compared to the full-blown madness that the wilderness could conceive on the human mind (as evidenced by Kurtz). Because Marlow recognizes these "playful paw-strokes" and he has enough restraint, through his "devotion to efficiency," he is able to step back from the cliff of madness and not go over it.
Undoubtedly the "playful paw-strokes" contribute to the "madness" of the situation and reveal Marlow's personality and his self control through his "devotion to efficiency." I would like to add the quote in which Marlow describes how "droll" life is, and that "the most you can hope from it is some knowledge of yourself-that comes too late--a crop of extinguishable regrets." I think it supports your argument that Marlow manages to avoid the cliff of madness, and he even acknowledges the consequences of his actions.
I agree that this quote is very important, because these "strokes" were seen in various characters. They different intensities of the madness is what brought the work together, showing how in a world without constraints, nature will take everything from one. This goes along with Marlow saying that some people will never understand what he speaks of because they did not feel this pushy madness that overwhelmed people without consent.
Your analysis of this quote is interesting. Of course, we always think of the "playful paw-strokes" to be just touches of insanity, but I like that you mentioned the part about a cat sinking in its claws when aggravated. Marlow's restraint is very admirable and, thankfully, he is able to avoid disturbing the kitten and he keeps most of his sanity in tact, with maybe just a few scratches.
"It seems to me I am trying to tell you a dream-making a vain attempt, because no relation of a dream can convey the dream sensation, that commingling of absurdity surprise, and bewilderment in a tremor of struggling revolt, that notion of being captured by the incredible which is of the very essence a dream..."
In this quote, Marlow is speaking in the present to the others aboard the steamboat. In the middle of relaying the story of his experience in the wilderness, he pauses to reflect for a moment. He asks "Do you see him? Do you see the story? Do you see anything?" I chose this quote because I think it reveals a major theme in the novel: The gravitas of "the horror" cannot be defined; cannot be captured. Its ramifications cannot be expressed through a single story nor understood by those who did not experience the "dream." The verbal irony in Marlow's questions concerning "sight" emphasizes how his listeners cannot "see" the point of his story not only because they live in a society of constraints and are therefore ignorant of any other environment, but because the lack of clarity in "the immense heart of darkness" is so compelling that it fosters only incomprehensible absurdity.
Your explanation of this quote made me think of it in a whole new way. I completely agree with you that Marlow's listeners can not see the tragedy of his story or the point he is trying to get across simply because they did not experience it and also because they have never been anywhere near living without the restraints of society. I think its great how you related the purpose and meaning of this quote to an overall theme in the novel. You are definitely right when it comes to the verbal irony in Marlow's questioning of the listener's understanding.
“And this also,” said Marlow suddenly, “has been one of the dark places of the earth.”
This is the first thing that we hear from Marlow and begins to set the true story that this book focuses on. When Marlow states this, he is referring to the time of the Romans and their discovery of the lands that would evolve to become the England that Marlow and the Narrator know. He compares the unknown lands of England to the time of the Roman Empire to the unknown lands of Africa during their times, saying that they were both once equally unknown in the "darkness". We also get to look into Marlow's views of Imperialism and the actions of the colonizers of Africa. This also ties in to the major theme of light against darkness, saying that the darkness is the unknown and the light is the known.
"I found myself lumped along with Kurtz... Ah, but it was something to at least have a choice of nightmares."
This quote indicates one of the underlying, more implicit themes of Heart of Darkness: no matter what, we (as humans) are all made of the same stuff. We're all capable of committing awful, terrible, depraved acts, no matter what we like to think. Marlow acknowledges this ("I found myself lumped along with Kurtz") as he realizes that there is only a thin line between humanity and complete madness - restraint. Without his restraint, he would end up just like Kurtz.
Marlow goes on, speaking of the "choice of nightmare" which reflects his condemnation of the smokescreen operations and the "pretending, weak-eyed Devils." No matter how one looks at European colonization of Africa, whether it be to educate, to civilize, or for economic opportunity, the situation is depraved. The only way to deal with it is to choose which "nightmare" to live in - witnessing the brutality of the Europeans; acknowledging the "savage" acts of natives, like cannibalism; or ignoring it altogether (which is a nightmare of it's own in Marlow's view - ignorance.)
Marlow's choice is to acknowledge the depths to which humanity has sunk in the "heart of darkness," and allowing himself to be grouped with Kurtz, resulting in his disillusionment on his return to Europe.
"One can't live with one's finger everlastingly on one's pulse. I had often 'a little fever,' or a little touch of other things-the playful paw-strokes of the wilderness, the preliminary trifling before the more serious onslaught which came in due course."
This quote is very significant in Heart of Darkness. Not only does it touch on nature's role in the story, but it symbolizes the insanity taking place in the Congo. It is very important that Marlow refers to his insanity as "playful paw-strokes of the wilderness." Using this description of the madness overtaking his mind shows its effect on his thinking overall. Marlow sees his insanity playing a sort of game with him. Giving him simple "paw-strokes" or glimpses of what the mad people see and feel. Marlow said that these paw-strokes were nature's way of playing with him before the more serious things hit. In other words, this fever was just a sample of the madness that was yet to come. This quote foreshadows what is to come while also explaining previous conversations involving the madness that is to come in the Congo.
I believe the most important quote in the book is Kurtz's last words "The horror! The horror!" This quote sums up every aspect of the book, from what the Europeans were doing to the natives, the lying and secrets kept among many, and even the affects of nature of everyone's sanity. Kurtz was a man well known for the way he talked and what he said, giving his final words a lot more weight. Kurtz became overwhelmed by the madness that had slowly been taking over many. Kurtz knew of the work going on, what he had done, and what he was getting in return, his death, and he summed it all up with "The horror! The horror!" Later on Kurtz's intended begs Marlow for him to tell her what Kurtz's last words were, and the fact that Marlow told her it was her name shows that he understood to a certain extent how Kurtz felt about those who he used to associate himself with. This reveals how horrible it is to be living blinded of societies constraints, and never truly letting one's true self be revealed.
I was originally going to pick "devotion to efficiency" but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that that quote falls under "The horror! The horror!" Because it is that devotion itself that is a horror and leads to even more horror, not only in Africa, but back in the ignorant "whited city," in the minds of those involved, and in any other situation much like the one Marlow experienced. This is why in the beginning of the book he recognized this horror and darkness in a place he had never known, but he had known what a place like that one had been like.
I think "Du calme" is the most important quote in Heart of Darkness. It foreshadows the danger and madness Marlow is getting himself into. It shows that the doctor has seen the madness that comes from being involved in Africa and he is warning Marlow to keep calm. He wants Marlow to keep his sanity while he is living in insane conditions. The fact that he says this in French is interesting because we don't know if Marlow can speak French or not. This symbolizes that the madness can't be understood until you experience it. These words haunt Marlow as he is traveling throughout Africa. Despite this warning, Marlow begins to have "playful paw strokes" of insanity. He does, however, keep calm most of the time. I think "Du calme" sums up the whole book: it's an absurd plea to stay calm in the midst of madness.
“I was within a hair’s-breadth of the last opportunity for pronouncement, and I found with humiliation that probably I would have nothing to say. This is the reason why I affirm that Kurtz was a remarkable man. He had something to say. He said it. . . . He had summed up—he had judged. ‘The horror!’ He was a remarkable man.”
I chose this quote because it is what makes Kurtz different from everyone else. Until Kurtz, all we have seen are the pilgrims stumbling around muttering for ivory by every passing hour. Kurtz, even being taken over by nature and stripped of all constraints and restraints, he can judge. He can look at what happens in the Congo and admit "the horror." Everyone else builds a fence, separating themselves from the truth. Kurtz came face to face with darkness, rather than sliding around it. Marlow is still separated. He sees the horror yet cannot judge it even still. Depending on the ways you can interpret the horror, perhaps Marlow is avoiding the whited city back home. Instead of rejecting it for its ignorance, he lives in it. I suppose his other choice is to end up like Kurtz, but that is why Kurtz is remarkable. He can judge. He can look at where he came from and reject it. He can look at where he went and accept it. He has the courage to examine nature and compare it to society, and the horrors which come from sources in each give him judgement. He is a defined person because he decides. This quote is all about definition, and the importance of who you are and who you are not. Because it makes all the difference.
The word ‘ivory’ rang in the air, was whispered, was sighed. You would think they were praying to it.
Madness is a reoccurring event throughout Heart of Darkness. We constantly question character’s actions that are caused by ivory. This quote shows the reason why everyone is acting the way they are- their purpose is to pursue the lifeless god of ivory. Ivory is a personified prized possession and it takes a life of its own while in the Congo. Due to its promises of wealth and a step up in the social class, characters throw away their own morals and ethic in order to have a piece of this ivory. Kurtz, for example, does everything for his precious ivory and is willing to kill people when he doesn’t get what he wants. Ivory is an unreliable medication that promises to do amazing things yet has the side effect of losing your sanity and basically destroying your life. As you read the final pages, you realize that ivory was a huge part within the Heart of Darkness along with Kurtz (who was so taken by ivory that he basically turned into it).
“And this also," said Marlow suddenly, "has been one of the dark places of the earth.” This quote continued to stand out to me throughout our entire reading of the book due to the initial paradoxical sense it created and its location. Conrad chose to place this towards the very beginning, just as Marlow has set sail down the Thames with his eager crew aboard as he is about to recount a journey worth paying close attention to, setting the ideal platform the inclusion of this quote.. Marlow only feels that he is entering this area of darkness for a lifelong desire for exploration and also the opportunity to obtain wealth while working for a respected company. Also, he is able to take this opportunity only after a previous captain was murdered, I feel like Fresleven's murder and the nature in which it occurred was also a crucial scene. Because he makes this statement to his listeners, he is foreshadowing what is to come which I also noticed had a strong connection to the elements of nature surrounding them as they have begun to sail out into the river. It is repeated that a "brooding gloom" is in the sky around them with the almost certain promise that it will continue to grow throughout their travel and it definitely does, it begins to mirror Marlow's first perception of The Congo with his final view and the drastic contrast amongst them. Due to its connection with this element and several others found throughout the novel, such as the Grove of Death and the continuation of severity within each station, I feel that this quote could be used as an example in several different aspects each with concrete evidence, solidifying it as the one that fully stood out to me the most.
ReplyDeleteI love this quote, simply because of the mysterious and foreboding tone it carries. Marlow says it immediately following the narrators bright and cheery description of his view of the ocean and the life and opportunity it carries. Such a stark contrast was very shocking. Also, by the end of the book, the reader really comes to an understanding of the reasons behind why Marlow said this, and the overwhelming truth and complexity behind his simple statement. I believe that this quote would be the type of excerpt that could be printed on the back of the book, to hook the reader's attention.
Delete"Brooding" is a great word to use since it is used five times in the first several pages!!!
Delete"Brooding" is a great word to use since it is used five times in the first several pages!!!
Delete“I saw on that ivory face the expression of sombre pride, of ruthless power, of craven terror- of an intense and hopeless despair. Did he live his life again in every detail of desire, temptation, and surrender during that supreme moment of complete knowledge? He cried in a whisper at some image, at some vision- he cried out twice, a cry that was no more than a breath-
ReplyDelete‘The horror! The horror!’ “
These last words from Kurtz are the reason that Marlow becomes/stays so loyal to Kurtz after he dies. Throughout the novel Marlow constantly sees and meets colonizers who are unable to see the truth behind there actions and are illusioned to the savagery they commit. In some of his last moments Kurtz is the first person Marlow has met who is able to recognize and fully process the savagery he has committed and the depths his soul fell to when the jungle overtook him; his words “The horror! The horror!” show Marlow this. By being able to recognize the destruction he created and by possessing the strength to pull himself out of the illusions he’s emerged himself in for so long Kurtz becomes more of an enigma to Marlow then he was before. For the last time Kurtz sets himself apart/ above the rest of the men in the novel. This insures that Marlow will never write Kurtz off or forget him in the future; while on his deathbed Kurtz immortalizes himself in Marlow’s mind/memory. Despite the time that has past the novel shows us that Marlow still thinks about and analyzes this last interaction he had with Kurtz. This quote finally explains why Marlow has remained loyal to Kurtz’s memory after all this time and despite all the destruction he caused and also why he is so fixated on Kurtz.
I'm glad you made the point on Kurtz' last words explaining why Marlow remained so loyal all this time. It makes so much sense. I agree that Kurtz' last words showed that he realized the evil of the jungle and what it had done to him, making him different from the rest. The fact that Marlow says "Did he live his life again...during that supreme moment of complete knowledge?" This makes me think that he is just now realizing these things. So, how do we know that every dying man here doesn't recognize these things? Therefore, how do we know that this really made him different? I feel like that is a weak argument, but it just came to me and maybe it's a possible one.
DeleteTessa, I discussed this same quote too! Marlow's loyalty reminds of the Russian's loyalty to Kurtz. I wonder if maybe the Russian also sees this idea of "coming full circle" in Kurtz. And if he does, I wonder where he recognizing this quality in Kurtz. Possibly in the mans voice and persuasive words. As well as possibly in his attitude towards the Wilderness Women.
Delete"He has to live in the midst of the incomprehensible,which is also detestable. And it has a fascination, too, that goes to work upon him. The fascination of the abomination - you know, imagine the growing regrets, the longing to escape, the powerless disgust, the surrender, the hate."
DeleteThis quote really resonated with me throughout the novel. It was said at the beginning and the rest of the book developed this concept that the fascination will draw one in and eventually turn them into an abomination themselves. The obvious example of this would be Kurtz in how the jungle drove him into madness and turned him into an extremely savage person. Kurtz's last words were "The horror! The horror!"and this highlighted how even Kurtz recognized that the jungle had driven him to do terrible things. The jungle is such a wild, intense environment that the Europeans find it very difficult to resist the savageness it can instill. They are used to being bound by social conventions so being completely free in the jungle made a lot of them go kind of crazy. They are fascinated by how there is nothing holding them back from committing acts they previously would have thought of as horrendous and in this fascination, a lot of them end up giving in to it and actually doing these terrible things. For example, Kurtz being in the jungle led to him putting the heads of natives on stakes around the yard of the Central Station which is something that he never would have dreamed of doing in European society. In the end, he regretted doing such awful things, but being "in the midst of the incomprehensible" definitely changed him for the worst and brought out savage parts of himself that he probably didn't know existed. The whole book showed how the jungle made the Europeans unrecognizable from their old self and this quote really foreshadowed all the horrors that were to come.
Although short and simple, I believe "devotion to efficiency" is the most important quote throughout the novel. This quote is what links the dark and light societies together and explains the evil of human nature, which is a theme of the book. Whether in the jungle or in the city, we are all determined to be successful in our own way. We are all devoted to being efficient in some way. This quote also explains every action made throughout the book. People go to the jungle to make money, hunt ivory to make money, commit violent actions to gain "respect," and manipulate others in order to be promoted. All of these things are done with intentions of being efficient. The book itself revolves around this quote.
ReplyDeleteI agree this is a very important quote. The whole idea of the devotion to efficiency was obviously a major theme throughout the whole story. It helps show the convoluted nature of the pilgrims as they are the least efficient people in the story who can do practically nothing on their own despite their immense greed for ivory. The pilgrims lack of efficiency is one of the main reasons for their insanity. This idea also shows the contrast between Marlow and some of the other colonizers; Marlow is able to keep enough of his sanity, because of his focus on work, to not fall into the illusion of the wilderness that the other have.
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ReplyDelete"What saves us is efficiency—the devotion to efficiency."
ReplyDeleteThat quote serves as the motivation behind the main character, Marlow. It serves as his restraint and keeps him from going hollow. It is what separated him from men such as the General Manager of the store. Throughout the book, we see a return to this devotion. It is why he detests the pilgrims: he is bored out of his mind during the months at the central station where he has nothing to do and cannot get the rivets to fix his ship while the pilgrims are complacent with wandering around with nothing to do. It allows him to resist the paw strokes of madness. While every one around him is caught up in the madness and begins dancing around, he realizes that he has too much work to do and can't spare the time to do such a thing. It gives Marlow a sense of purpose and identity in the jungle, and gives him something to cling to so that he does not go mad.
Kyle, I also think this is a very important quote. Marlow was protected by his "devotion to efficiency," which greatly contrasted the behavior of the pilgrims. They were greedy for the wealth they could acquire through ivory, yet they were lazy and never did any work. Because Marlow never became hollow like the rest, he never acted cruelly towards the natives. Marlow would have lost his mind had it not been for his work ethic, and if that had happened, he may not have survived the Congo and suffered a fate like Kurtz's. Insanity is what much of Heart of Darkness revolves around, yet Marlow never faces much more than the "playful pawstrokes of the wilderness" because of his devotion to efficiency.
Delete"I found myself back in the sepulchral city resenting the sight of people hurrying through the streets to filch a little money from each other, to devour their infamous cookery, to gulp their unwholesome beer, to dream their insignificant and silly dreams."
ReplyDelete-Marlow
This quote shows the change of worldview that Marlow experiences from going to the Congo. High European society seems meaningless to one who has seen the true darkness of humanity, so Marlow sees the selfishness and greed of the people of Brussels. This same greed is expressed through the many imperial conquests of Belgium and other European countries. Marlow, having left for Africa with the hope of adventure and intent of helping the Congolese, now sees the horrible nature of Imperialism and the lies told to prevent people from understanding the monstrosities. Unlike Kurtz and many others, Marlow survived his ordeals in Africa, but because he now sees through the shallowness of society, Marlow can never live the same way again. Unfortunately for Marlow, almost everything in Europe will seem artificial to him for the rest of his life, though this may be better than forever living ignorant to the horrors taking place in the Congo.
Andrew, I agree that this is a significant quote. It compares Marlow with the rest of the Europeans, but also with himself before he went into the jungle. Before, he was not necessarily at home in the city but he fit in. He had world needs, such as his need of want and desire fore exploration that drove him in to the Congo. I agree that he is now capable of seeing through the thin ideals of society that prized money about all things. After the terrible experiences in the jungle, such as in the Grove of Death, and coming under attack by natives, the troubles of the society in Brussels seem trifle. He saw how horribly the natives of the Congo were treated just to satisfy the desire for wealth held by the people he has gone back to. The jungle and his experiences in it changed him, and this quote does an excellent job of illustrating how.
DeleteI agree Andrew, Marlow will never be the same after his experience in the Congo. Now the life he once lived before his trip that used to be so normal for him is now so silly and pitiful. I can only imagine what it would be like to view such horrific things and then come back to a world that seemed so oblivious and blind to the truth. It would annoy me to come back to people carrying on with their luxurious lives, happy and ignorant after seeing how the savages lived and the experiences they endured in the Congo.
DeleteI agree with you Andrew. This quote shows major character development in Marlow and how he views society after he returns from the Congo. He now sees the ignorance and shallowness of European Imperialistic society, seeing that they are oblivious to the horrors that are happening. The people could be seen as symbols of their countries, showing their greed and ignorance to the injustices and horrors they are causing. This ignorance of the people rises new questions of the reader of is is good to be ignorant of these horrors or know of these and see the ignorance of others.
DeleteThis is one of my favorite parts of the novel. Marlow returns to the city disillusioned and pretty much disgusted - he finally sees through the Europea façade and he scorns it. He sees the city as a tomb, responsible for the death of thousands, hence the "tomb-like" imagery.
DeleteAfter reading the Heart of Darkness, I believe the single most important quote is "The horror! The horror!" This was said by Kurtz right before he dies. This statement he made before his death shows how the man has come full circle. He started his journey into the heart of darkness with the idea of bringing civilization to the natives which is discussed in his letter to the ISSSC. When he reaches the heart of darkness, the inner station takes ahold of him and his inner savagery. He had no restraints or constraints here and allowed the darkness of the wilderness to possess him. He later adds to his letter "exterminate the brutes". This shows his character shift. Shows how he is no longer the man he used to be. However on his death bed, the man is able to see just how awful his acts were. He expresses this realization when he says "The horror!" This is why Marlow respects the man so much. The fact that Kurtz was able to enter the heart of darkness, have the darkness within him, and still recognize this impresses Marlow.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree! This was a major turning point in Marlow's view of Kurtz. I think this relates to my quote, because my quote describes when Marlow is beginning to understand what the jungle has revealed in the men that are surrounded by it. Kurtz also discovers this, but too late to go back and change his savage transformation. I think that is why he says "The horror! The horror!" He has come to the shocking revelation that men, not just the natives, are truly savage. As you said, the darkness in the men is, in fact, more horrific than the physical darkness of the jungle.
DeleteThis quote, along with mine, related to the madness which is the most important theme you need to get out of Heart of Darkness while reading it. I like how you explained that this is why Marlow respects him so much. I didn’t realize that being able to live and breathe and also having that darkness within him was one of the reasons Marlow respects him. However, I feel like the respect wasn’t necessarily needed as it is only in the last few breaths of life that Kurtz has his moral reality check.
Delete“I’ve seen the devil of violence… of greed… of hot desire… there were… the devils that swayed and drove men.”
ReplyDeleteI believe that this is one of the most important quotes in Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. Marlow chronicles his transformation from naivety to possessing a true understanding of the true nature of men; and it isn’t pretty. Although some may have originally travelled to Africa for noble reasons such as opportunity, adventure, or love, they were all corrupted once removed from the constraints of their past lives. Marlow says this quote following his important speech about the policeman and the butcher – keeping the delicate balance between order and chaos. True natures were revealed as they all became overtaken will hot desire (lust), greed, and violence (wrath) – all belonging on the list of the seven deadly sins.
This transformation is not confined to the time and place that Marlow describes; but applies universally to how most human beings, no matter how kind or wise, may react once taken to a place where there are no consequences, no one to answer to for their transgressions, no one to repent to for their sins. This is why Marlow is able to generalize men as a whole as being swayed by these temptations, not just the men he has observed in Africa. He has reached the understanding that this darkness is hidden deep inside everyone, no matter how well hidden it is behind tall columns, white cufflinks, and ivory pianos.
This quote sums up everything that Marlow’s long and treacherous has taught him about men. They are not pure, they are not strong, and they do not restrain themselves against temptation, but merely succumb to the darkest depths of their desires when they are no longer under the constraints of civilization. And this is the horrific, beautiful truth that the jungle reveals.
I love your analysis of this quote! Furthering it, I believe that each European man in the Congo had his own "devil." For Kurtz, it would be the "devil of greed" because he loved "his" ivory while for the Manager it would be another "devil," perhaps one of appearances. Whatever "devil" man has, it is revealed and controls the man when he is not in social constraints.
Delete"He has to live in the midst of the incomprehensible,which is also detestable. And it has a fascination, too, that goes to work upon him. The fascination of the abomination - you know, imagine the growing regrets, the longing to escape, the powerless disgust, the surrender, the hate."
ReplyDeleteThis quote really resonated with me throughout the novel. It was said at the beginning and the rest of the book developed this concept that the fascination will draw one in and eventually turn them into an abomination themselves. The obvious example of this would be Kurtz in how the jungle drove him into madness and turned him into an extremely savage person. Kurtz's last words were "The horror! The horror!"and this highlighted how even Kurtz recognized that the jungle had driven him to do terrible things. The jungle is such a wild, intense environment that the Europeans find it very difficult to resist the savageness it can instill. They are used to being bound by social conventions so being completely free in the jungle made a lot of them go kind of crazy. They are fascinated by how there is nothing holding them back from committing acts they previously would have thought of as horrendous and in this fascination, a lot of them end up giving in to it and actually doing these terrible things. For example, Kurtz being in the jungle led to him putting the heads of natives on stakes around the yard of the Central Station which is something that he never would have dreamed of doing in European society. In the end, he regretted doing such awful things, but being "in the midst of the incomprehensible" definitely changed him for the worst and brought out savage parts of himself that he probably didn't know existed. The whole book showed how the jungle made the Europeans unrecognizable from their old self and this quote really foreshadowed all the horrors that were to come.
I also think this quote is extremely important because it's what keeps these men down in Africa. The whole novel takes us on the journey with Marlow to see how his own fascination turns him into an abomination. Despite the "disgust, surrender, the hate," he stays. Something entices him to stay and become a part of the abomination. Something I have always wondered is did he assume that it would not happen to him? Did he always intend to be an "outsider" who had no accountability? Each step further down the river brings Marlow closer and closer to his own abomination. He is further pulled into the business of it all, the hate of it all. Seeing Kurtz swallowed by his own nature is the only thing that saves him from being buried with Kurtz. The fascination with the abomination is the river, continually keeping the path onward to the center of darkness.
Delete"They grabbed what they could get for the sake of what was to be got. It was just robbery with violence, aggravated murder on a great scale, and men going at it blind- as it is very proper for those who tackle a darkness."
ReplyDeleteI chose this quote as the most significant because it refers to the Pilgrims and other European men greedily retrieving ivory and other goods for the sake of wealth. They murdered the natives and robbed them of their usual ways of life by interfering and invading the Congo with no remorse. The "darkness" that they tackled blindly could represent more than one thing, which is why this quote is so important. One way to interpret the darkness is the wilderness within the Congo and the savages that live within it. They are unvicilized in the eyes of the Europeans due to their drastic differences in their ways of living and customs. Another way to interpret the darkness is the darkness within their hearts and souls. The intent within their minds to gather ivory and become wealthy while rremaining apathetic towards the natives conveys the evil within the Europeans. The "blindness" that the quote mentions is important throughout the entire novel. It represents the Europeans failure to understand the terror that ensues from their actions. Despite their notion that they were "civilizing" the savages, all the Europeans were doing was invading the home of African people who were already their own for of "civilized". This quote highlites the main aspects of the novel, from the darkness of the Congo and the mens souls to the blindness of the Europeans.
I completely agree, this quote is very important because it highlights numerous themes within the novel. I really like your analysis of the "blindness" of the pilgrims because ironically, they thought they saw better in the darkness, but it only added to the horrors they committed. I also think that this quote is primarily referring to the ivory which was so sought after, despite the cost. Although the men attempted to tackle darkness, they were consumed by it, which as you said, enveloped their "hearts and souls".
Delete"Perhaps I had a little fever, too. One can't live with one's finger everlastingly on one's pulse. I had often 'a little fever,' or a little touch of other things—the playful paw-strokes of the wilderness, the preliminary trifling before the more serious onslaught which came in due course."
ReplyDeleteThis quote seemed to be the single most important quote throughout the novel as it illuminated the role of Nature and the tole that it seemed to take upon the minds of the "pilgrims". In context, this quote refers to the temptations of cannibalism that Marlow and the other men endured upon the expedition. Despite being one of the only men "devoted to efficiency", even Marlow seemed to be slowly losing grasp of his sanity, as the Doctor seemed to predict earlier within the novel. Though he did everything in his power to avoid contributing to the horrors, he still, for the most part unknowingly, was influenced and changed by the "playfulness" of Nature. Additionally, this quote is extremely significant because it illuminate the major theme of "madness". Based off this quote, Nature is personified as an animal toying with its prey. Instead of leading them to their death, it delays and plays with the men, letting the madness run its course so that it can control them and unite them together. For Kurtz, once madness set in, he became one with the "wilderness". Perhaps this is why he became ill and failed to survive the voyage home, no longer with something he was apart and dependent of. The "wilderness", or Nature, shaped the minds of the men through this madness and as a result, left them debatably for the better and worse.
I think the "playful paw-strokes" is the most important quote because it centers around the theme of madness. The image I get when I read that quote is a kitten pawing at you and clawing you softly out of affection, not meanness. However, if you aggravate the kitten, he may sink the claws into you out of meanness. This is the same idea as the "playful paw-strokes" in the wilderness; the brief flashes of insanity Marlow experiences, such as when he thinks of strangling Kurtz and beating him, is nothing compared to the full-blown madness that the wilderness could conceive on the human mind (as evidenced by Kurtz). Because Marlow recognizes these "playful paw-strokes" and he has enough restraint, through his "devotion to efficiency," he is able to step back from the cliff of madness and not go over it.
ReplyDeleteUndoubtedly the "playful paw-strokes" contribute to the "madness" of the situation and reveal Marlow's personality and his self control through his "devotion to efficiency." I would like to add the quote in which Marlow describes how "droll" life is, and that "the most you can hope from it is some knowledge of yourself-that comes too late--a crop of extinguishable regrets." I think it supports your argument that Marlow manages to avoid the cliff of madness, and he even acknowledges the consequences of his actions.
DeleteI agree that this quote is very important, because these "strokes" were seen in various characters. They different intensities of the madness is what brought the work together, showing how in a world without constraints, nature will take everything from one. This goes along with Marlow saying that some people will never understand what he speaks of because they did not feel this pushy madness that overwhelmed people without consent.
DeleteYour analysis of this quote is interesting. Of course, we always think of the "playful paw-strokes" to be just touches of insanity, but I like that you mentioned the part about a cat sinking in its claws when aggravated. Marlow's restraint is very admirable and, thankfully, he is able to avoid disturbing the kitten and he keeps most of his sanity in tact, with maybe just a few scratches.
Delete"It seems to me I am trying to tell you a dream-making a vain attempt, because no relation of a dream can convey the dream sensation, that commingling of absurdity surprise, and bewilderment in a tremor of struggling revolt, that notion of being captured by the incredible which is of the very essence a dream..."
ReplyDeleteIn this quote, Marlow is speaking in the present to the others aboard the steamboat. In the middle of relaying the story of his experience in the wilderness, he pauses to reflect for a moment. He asks "Do you see him? Do you see the story? Do you see anything?" I chose this quote because I think it reveals a major theme in the novel: The gravitas of "the horror" cannot be defined; cannot be captured. Its ramifications cannot be expressed through a single story nor understood by those who did not experience the "dream." The verbal irony in Marlow's questions concerning "sight" emphasizes how his listeners cannot "see" the point of his story not only because they live in a society of constraints and are therefore ignorant of any other environment, but because the lack of clarity in "the immense heart of darkness" is so compelling that it fosters only incomprehensible absurdity.
Your explanation of this quote made me think of it in a whole new way. I completely agree with you that Marlow's listeners can not see the tragedy of his story or the point he is trying to get across simply because they did not experience it and also because they have never been anywhere near living without the restraints of society. I think its great how you related the purpose and meaning of this quote to an overall theme in the novel. You are definitely right when it comes to the verbal irony in Marlow's questioning of the listener's understanding.
Delete“And this also,” said Marlow suddenly, “has been one of the dark places of the earth.”
ReplyDeleteThis is the first thing that we hear from Marlow and begins to set the true story that this book focuses on. When Marlow states this, he is referring to the time of the Romans and their discovery of the lands that would evolve to become the England that Marlow and the Narrator know. He compares the unknown lands of England to the time of the Roman Empire to the unknown lands of Africa during their times, saying that they were both once equally unknown in the "darkness". We also get to look into Marlow's views of Imperialism and the actions of the colonizers of Africa. This also ties in to the major theme of light against darkness, saying that the darkness is the unknown and the light is the known.
"I found myself lumped along with Kurtz... Ah, but it was something to at least have a choice of nightmares."
ReplyDeleteThis quote indicates one of the underlying, more implicit themes of Heart of Darkness: no matter what, we (as humans) are all made of the same stuff. We're all capable of committing awful, terrible, depraved acts, no matter what we like to think. Marlow acknowledges this ("I found myself lumped along with Kurtz") as he realizes that there is only a thin line between humanity and complete madness - restraint. Without his restraint, he would end up just like Kurtz.
Marlow goes on, speaking of the "choice of nightmare" which reflects his condemnation of the smokescreen operations and the "pretending, weak-eyed Devils." No matter how one looks at European colonization of Africa, whether it be to educate, to civilize, or for economic opportunity, the situation is depraved. The only way to deal with it is to choose which "nightmare" to live in - witnessing the brutality of the Europeans; acknowledging the "savage" acts of natives, like cannibalism; or ignoring it altogether (which is a nightmare of it's own in Marlow's view - ignorance.)
Marlow's choice is to acknowledge the depths to which humanity has sunk in the "heart of darkness," and allowing himself to be grouped with Kurtz, resulting in his disillusionment on his return to Europe.
Delete"One can't live with one's finger everlastingly on one's pulse. I had often 'a little fever,' or a little touch of other things-the playful paw-strokes of the wilderness, the preliminary trifling before the more serious onslaught which came in due course."
ReplyDeleteThis quote is very significant in Heart of Darkness. Not only does it touch on nature's role in the story, but it symbolizes the insanity taking place in the Congo. It is very important that Marlow refers to his insanity as "playful paw-strokes of the wilderness." Using this description of the madness overtaking his mind shows its effect on his thinking overall. Marlow sees his insanity playing a sort of game with him. Giving him simple "paw-strokes" or glimpses of what the mad people see and feel. Marlow said that these paw-strokes were nature's way of playing with him before the more serious things hit. In other words, this fever was just a sample of the madness that was yet to come. This quote foreshadows what is to come while also explaining previous conversations involving the madness that is to come in the Congo.
I believe the most important quote in the book is Kurtz's last words "The horror! The horror!" This quote sums up every aspect of the book, from what the Europeans were doing to the natives, the lying and secrets kept among many, and even the affects of nature of everyone's sanity. Kurtz was a man well known for the way he talked and what he said, giving his final words a lot more weight. Kurtz became overwhelmed by the madness that had slowly been taking over many. Kurtz knew of the work going on, what he had done, and what he was getting in return, his death, and he summed it all up with "The horror! The horror!" Later on Kurtz's intended begs Marlow for him to tell her what Kurtz's last words were, and the fact that Marlow told her it was her name shows that he understood to a certain extent how Kurtz felt about those who he used to associate himself with. This reveals how horrible it is to be living blinded of societies constraints, and never truly letting one's true self be revealed.
ReplyDeleteI was originally going to pick "devotion to efficiency" but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that that quote falls under "The horror! The horror!" Because it is that devotion itself that is a horror and leads to even more horror, not only in Africa, but back in the ignorant "whited city," in the minds of those involved, and in any other situation much like the one Marlow experienced. This is why in the beginning of the book he recognized this horror and darkness in a place he had never known, but he had known what a place like that one had been like.
DeleteI think "Du calme" is the most important quote in Heart of Darkness. It foreshadows the danger and madness Marlow is getting himself into. It shows that the doctor has seen the madness that comes from being involved in Africa and he is warning Marlow to keep calm. He wants Marlow to keep his sanity while he is living in insane conditions. The fact that he says this in French is interesting because we don't know if Marlow can speak French or not. This symbolizes that the madness can't be understood until you experience it. These words haunt Marlow as he is traveling throughout Africa. Despite this warning, Marlow begins to have "playful paw strokes" of insanity. He does, however, keep calm most of the time. I think "Du calme" sums up the whole book: it's an absurd plea to stay calm in the midst of madness.
ReplyDelete“I was within a hair’s-breadth of the last opportunity for pronouncement, and I found with humiliation that probably I would have nothing to say. This is the reason why I affirm that Kurtz was a remarkable man. He had something to say. He said it. . . . He had summed up—he had judged. ‘The horror!’ He was a remarkable man.”
ReplyDeleteI chose this quote because it is what makes Kurtz different from everyone else. Until Kurtz, all we have seen are the pilgrims stumbling around muttering for ivory by every passing hour. Kurtz, even being taken over by nature and stripped of all constraints and restraints, he can judge. He can look at what happens in the Congo and admit "the horror." Everyone else builds a fence, separating themselves from the truth. Kurtz came face to face with darkness, rather than sliding around it. Marlow is still separated. He sees the horror yet cannot judge it even still. Depending on the ways you can interpret the horror, perhaps Marlow is avoiding the whited city back home. Instead of rejecting it for its ignorance, he lives in it. I suppose his other choice is to end up like Kurtz, but that is why Kurtz is remarkable. He can judge. He can look at where he came from and reject it. He can look at where he went and accept it. He has the courage to examine nature and compare it to society, and the horrors which come from sources in each give him judgement. He is a defined person because he decides. This quote is all about definition, and the importance of who you are and who you are not. Because it makes all the difference.
The word ‘ivory’ rang in the air, was whispered, was sighed. You would think they were praying to it.
ReplyDeleteMadness is a reoccurring event throughout Heart of Darkness. We constantly question character’s actions that are caused by ivory.
This quote shows the reason why everyone is acting the way they are- their purpose is to pursue the lifeless god of ivory. Ivory is a personified prized possession and it takes a life of its own while in the Congo. Due to its promises of wealth and a step up in the social class, characters throw away their own morals and ethic in order to have a piece of this ivory. Kurtz, for example, does everything for his precious ivory and is willing to kill people when he doesn’t get what he wants. Ivory is an unreliable medication that promises to do amazing things yet has the side effect of losing your sanity and basically destroying your life. As you read the final pages, you realize that ivory was a huge part within the Heart of Darkness along with Kurtz (who was so taken by ivory that he basically turned into it).