Kurt's Influence in Heart Of Darkness Essay

Throughout the story Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad several characters appear briefly or do not appear at all. These characters affect them and the development of other characters. Kurtz, the head of the inner station, appears briefly throughout the story but affects the theme of the novel. Through Kurtz actions the reader can see the theme of corruption of man through overwhelming desire for more and changes the development of other characters like Marlow.

Kurtz is seen as a genius and as superior by the people around him. The natives and the Englishmen recognized Kurtz as a superior but they eventually begin to catch on. He is the head of the inner station giving him tremendous power over most of the people around him. Many envy him because of his power and is the reason why many try to take over his company. The manager and his uncle are heard talking about hanging Kurtz and make him an example and they can have the power that Kurtz once had.

Kurtz, even though he appears briefly throughout the story, has a major influence the protagonist Marlow. He becomes interested and obsessed with Kurtz and begins asking people what they know about him. Marlow is obsessed with Kurtz but denies it throughout the novel. This is shown when Marlow says, now and then I would give some thought to Kurtz. I wasnt very interested in him. No. Still, I was curious to see whether this manwould climb to the top after all and how he would set about his work there. This shows that Marlow is going to do whatever it takes to reach Kurtz. All of the stories and great things he hears about Kurtz further his interest in him.

Kurtz is worshiped throughout the whole story. Everyone is influenced by him because of his power. Kurtz is the Russian traders idol. Even though Kurtz tried to shoot him, the Russian always stayed by his side. This shows that even though Kurtz is not a good person people still adore him and think of him as a good. This allows Kurtz to abuse his power and is why he becomes corrupt.

This novel shows the way Kurtz changes many characters and affects the theme of the story. Even though he is not seen throughout most of the story he is a significant presence, influencing others and being feared by all due to his abuse of power and popularity.