Mr Kurtz As A Remarkable Individual example essay topic

Each person has a different definition of what the term 'remarkable' means; each unique definition, holds a significant link to the other. This link is that the term is always given to a person that holds certain characteristics that are superior to the average individual. The set of characteristics that are observed tend to subscribe to the specific set of values of the person issuing the remark. Marlow, the main character in Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness is able to assert that Mr. Kurtz was a remarkable man. This is true because of the unique values that Marlow possesses, which allow him to assert Mr. Kurtz as a remarkable individual. Through the actions and words of Mr. Kurtz, and other individuals Marlow encounters, Marlow is able to gain an overall perception of how characteristics of Mr. Kurtz deem him remarkable.

Through the development of the narrative, Marlow establishes that Mr. Kurtz does not want to return to society, he does not want to return to the world were people judge one another based on social issues. "Kurtz had apparently intended to return himself, the station being by that time bare of goods and stores, but after coming three hundred miles, had suddenly decided to go back, which he started to do alone in a small dugout with four paddlers, leaving the half-caste to continue down the river with the ivory". (Conrad Pg. 52) Instead Kurtz returns to the wilderness and is able to judge himself. "I went no more near the remarkable man who had pronounced a judgement upon the adventures of his soul upon the earth".

(Conrad Pg. 118) Marlow looks upon these two actions as remarkable feat. Kurtz, through Marlow's eyes was able to pronounce a judgement based upon his own actions rather than having society dictate them to him. Marlow realizes that in order for Kurtz to pass judgement on himself, Kurtz must have been courageous, a value that Marlow lacked. "I was within a hair's breadth of the opportunity for pronouncement, and I found with humiliation that probably I would have nothing to say". (Conrad Pg. 119) Marlow clearly illustrates that on his own deathbed he would not be able to express his own judgement, despite the opportunity to speak, he would just hide like a coward. Thus Marlow is able to pronounce that Kurtz is a remarkable individual because he has a value, courage, that Marlow and many other individuals do not posses.

With Kurtz's final words, Marlow begins to come to a more full understanding of Kurtz's worldview. Marlow almost parallels Kurtz's existence. "I felt so sure they could not possibly know the things I knew". (Conrad Pg. 121) Marlow believes he understands everything that Kurtz was trying to portray.

"Better his cry - much better. It was an affirmation, a moral victory paid by innumerable defeats, by abominable terrors, by abominable satisfactions. But it was a victory!" (Conrad Pg. 120) Marlow contradicts his previous statement in which he said. .".. No, it is impossible; it is impossible to convey the life-sensation of any given epoch of one's existence - that which makes its truth, its meaning - its subtle and penetrating essence. It is impossible.

We live, as we dream - alone... ". (Conrad Pg. 44) In the above Marlow clearly points out that it is impossible to convey one's true message to another person, yet Kurtz seemed to be able to pass on his message to Marlow in the few words the two had together. This therefore illustrates how Kurtz was not like the normal individual, he was unique, and he had a special ability that no other person possessed.

Prior to the actual meeting of Kurtz, Marlow encounters many individuals along the journey who influence his opinion of Kurtz and fuel his passion to finally meet the man. It is through the voices of these people that Marlow gets an overall opinion of Kurtz. "Mr. Kurtz was a 'universal genius'". (Conrad Pg. 45) Marlow begins to grab pieces of an overall image of Kurtz from the descriptions of others.

"He is a prodigy" (Conrad Pg. 41) and "This man has enlarged my mind". (Conrad Pg. 91) Marlow now envisions a self-fulfilling prophecy, the man known as Kurtz must be remarkable, everyone in the wilderness talks such good things of him, and therefore he must be what they say he is. Prior to even meeting Kurtz, Marlow states: " 'Nevertheless I think Kurtz is a remarkable man,' I said with emphasis". (Conrad Pg. 105) Marlow has been influenced by the opinions of others; he fully believes that Mr. Kurtz is and will be a remarkable, despite the fact that Marlow has not even seen him before. To point at a person and declare, 'He is remarkable' is a very subjective act.

Marlow, through his narration attempts to unfold the truth behind such a declaration. Marlow details the journey through the heart of Africa, meeting individuals who point to a remarkable shadow, of a man named Kurtz. Marlow, excited by such information continues his quest to discover the man behind the shroud of darkness. When he finally meets the man his time is short; Kurtz passes on a few words of wisdom before dying.

It is through these words that Marlow understands the world of Kurtz and how he truly is a remarkable man.