Heart of Darkness Director's Questions

Questions

100

In what ways does the Russian trader helped Kurtz?

The Russian trader nurses and takes care of Kurtz throughout two illnesses. He also tries to get Kurtz to return to civilization many times, especially since his lifestyle is making him sick. The Russian trader is good to Kurtz and even when Kurtz threatens to kill him over some ivory, he does not judge his actions. The Russian man’s loyalty, however, feeds into Kurtz’s massive ego and helps to enable Kurtz’s delusion of his greatness.

200

What are some reasons why Kurtz, or rather his soul, has gone mad?

Kurtz has gone mad because he has been in the toxic environment of Africa and the ivory trade scene for too long. By separating himself from normal European society, Kurtz has become disconnected from the basic moral and social values that keep one’s ethical sanity in check. Since there are no laws or punishments in the wild Africa, there is nothing to enforce morality and accountability in Kurtz’s life. Furthermore, the attention that he receives from the natives makes Kurtz feel like a god, and gives him a false sense of moral ‘carte blanche.”

Questions

100

What are the objects that Marlow notices are on the sticks outside of the station, and why are they there?

The objects on the sticks are actually the severed heads of rebels. These heads are positioned to face Kurtz’s station house, which indicates that his brutality isn’t simply for show, but it is something that gives him personal satisfaction. To the outside world, however, the heads indicate that whoever is inside of the station means business, and is not afraid to attack. This is why the Manager feels that Kurtz’s methods are hazardous and that they have ruined the company.

200

Why does Kurtz, in his fatally ill state, entrust Marlow with his packet of personal papers?

Kurtz is sane enough to realize that the Manager is his enemy, and that his own reputation and plans will be destroyed if the Manager gets control over Kurtz’s documents. Also, while Marlow hasn’t shown the same level of devotion to Kurtz as the Russian man did, Marlow still has shown an element of loyalty to Kurtz in their conversations and in their interaction in the wilderness when Kurtz ran away. Ultimately, Kurtz is extremely concerned about the wellbeing of his reputation and ideas, so he turns to Marlow, a man who he trusts to some degree, as his only hope for preserving Kurtz’s legacy.

Questions

100

How is the native woman adorned in lavish headdresses connected with Kurtz, and what does this say about Kurtz’s morality?

The Russian trader hints that the beautiful native is Kurtz’s mistress. Kurtz also has a fiancée back at home, so this would mean that he is cheating on her with the African woman. This implies that Kurtz is not a moral man because of this disloyal act of selfishness and objectification of women. Also, the fact that neither of Kurtz’s lovers’ names is mentioned in the story proves that he doesn’t truly love or respect either woman. Kurtz lacks ethics and compassion for anyone but himself.

200

What happened to the contents of Kurtz’s packet, and how does the packet lead Marlow to visit Kurtz’s beloved?

Some of Kurtz’s various acquaintances and family members come to Marlow seeking Kurtz’s papers, so Marlow distributes them among these people. Each of these visitors gives a different account of Kurtz’s greatest skill. For example, Kurtz’s cousin, an organist, describes Kurtz as a prodigious musician, while a journalist remarks that Kurtz had the makings of a fantastic politician. In the end, Marlow is left with only a few papers and a portrait of Kurtz’s Intended, so he wants to visit the woman to fully liberate himself from Kurtz and the horrible experiences that he represented. Marlow goes to the woman to both seek and provide closure.

Questions

100

Why did the Russian trader feel the need to leave the Kurtz’s station in such a rush?

After hearing that the Manager plans to hang him, the Russian decides that he needs to flee. After deciding to put his loyalty in Kurtz, Marlow aids the Russian and suggests advises him to get away while he still can. Before the Russian leaves, however, he entrusts Marlow with Kurtz’s reputation, which is what the Russian values most. The trader then leaves in a small boat with some items that Marlow gives him, and he intends to seek refuge with some native friends.

200

Why does Marlow lie about Kurtz’s grave sins to Kurtz’s fiancée? What effect does his lying have?

Marlow took a stance of allegiance to Kurtz, so it makes sense that he would defend Kurtz’s reputation. Marlow’s lies to the Intended could also be attributed to his desire to protect her feelings and eliminate the burden of announcing such terrible truths. Nevertheless, while Kurtz’s deceit temporarily assuages the Intended’s pain, she will suffer more in the long run because she will never be able to move past the loss of the incredible man she thinks Kurtz was. In reality, Kurtz’s committed horrendously immoral acts and cheated on his fiancée with an African native, and even though Marlow knows all of this, he keeps it a secret from the Intended. Marlow even lied to the fiancée about Kurtz’s last words. He told her that Kurtz called out her name while he was dying. Marlow wanted to maintain his first image of Kurtz in his mind. He does not want to accept the fact that Kurtz was an immoral man.

Questions

100

What does Marlow do when he realizes that Kurtz escaped from his bed into the wilderness? What does Marlow gain from this interaction?

In accordance with his promise to protect Kurtz’s reputation, Marlow doesn’t reveal Kurtz’s escape. Instead, he follows Kurtz into the night with the purpose of attacking him and delivering the justice that Kurtz’s horrendous actions have earned. After Marlow finds Kurtz, however, Marlow realizes the danger that the nearby natives pose. Also, by witnessing Kurtz in his own element, Marlow realizes that Kurtz’s soul is insane, and he judges that Kurtz can’t truly be blamed for his actions. This interaction gives Marlow a completely new perspective of Kurtz’s morality. This new perspective guides Marlow’s actions for the rest of the story, including carrying Kurtz back to the station.

200

What are some possible interpretations of the title Heart of Darkness?

This darkness could represent the immoral behavior of man, such as that of the company. It also could represent the dangers of blindness to id, which was Kurtz’s condition. In the book, Kurtz’s station is described using these words as well; however, the station, itself, is a symbol of Kurtz’s own barbaric nature and horrible sins. No matter which way the title is interpreted, it seems clear that it refers to a darkness found in man’s heart and soul.