Heart of Darkness
... major influence on everyone around him, including Marlow. He is the standard “evil genius” in Heart of Darkness. Kurtz is very gifted and talented, but at the same time he is an immoral character who is ultimately destroyed. He possesses style and eloquence and at the same time, he is a devious man. In some ways, the character of Kurtz can be seen like the novella itself. Both represent something that in the end, style overrules substance; both provide a justification for their essence. To be more correct, some can argue that Kurtz lacks substance. Numerous times, Marlow is quoted as describing Kurtz as “hollow”. It really isn’t a negative aspect of the character of Kurtz; that Kurtz isn’t worthy of thought. It illustrates his ability to function as a factor in Marlow’s life. In his emptiness he is somewhat of a character upon which other things can be revealed. In addition, nobody really knows who Kurtz really is; nobody can quite determine the true man. He seems to have many different roles and takes many different actions during the novella. Yet, his thoughts and impressive presence allows his character to forever exist in the minds of Marlow as well as the reader. His amazing charisma also adds to his nature to keep on. Kurtz has an important impact on the novella. Hypocrisy is one way in which Kurtz plays a role. Although he seems l...