Question

Look at Marlow's response to Kurtz. What other motifs in the novel can you connect to Marlow's emphasis on his lack of restrain; the fact of his eloquence when he is "hollow at the core"? Examine Marlow's feelings about Kurtz and about the manager; what changes in attitude is Marlow experiencing? How does he feel about each of these men by the time they begin the journey back down the river and as that journey progresses?

Answer 1

Marlow has begrudging respect for Kurtz but contempt for the manager.

Explanation:

In Heart of Darkness the whole journey is a lead up to the meeting with Kurtz who has become a larger than life figure in the narration by then. Unfortunately he is taking his last breaths by the time Marlow is there.

Still, Marlow understands that he was a brilliant man who fell to his darkest vices in a place where he should not have been.

For the manager he feels that he fits right in with the darkness as he can keep up his appearance even as he sees inhumane things happening around him.