Have you ever started to play COD when you find your math homework is too difficult? Or have you ever felt like ignoring your teacher’s lecture and decide to do paper planes? Well, I assume most of us have. And this is why Conrad uses Kurtz and Marlow as examples of alienated characters when facing difficulties. To understand alienation as a reaction to complex situations we must take a look at both character’s minds.
Marlow’s Mind:
I’ve been taught values, to help ones peer and that we (Europeans) civilize savage natives. But if I was taught to help, should I aid a savage? I don’t really understand if color makes us different, but I see that our behavior is different. I know irrationality is erroneous; however, I was never taught if different meant inferior. I can’t help feeling disgust for the inhuman treatment towards these natives. This is indeed a dilemma I must face, I’m not sure if I should follow my tradition or my convictions? If perhaps, my instincts are indeed correct and my culture is irrational. I feel I don’t belong on either side, I feel trapped in a Heart of Darkness.
Kurtz:
I’ve been here way too long and I can’t stand it anymore. I have the power to create my own society, to be above others. I have a duty and I should fulfill my task; however, I have the opportunity to separate myself from my peers. Not only separate: but become superior. Living in this place has giving me the opportunity to change my life abruptly. My condition depends on my actions and indeed I feel confused. I consider power a scarce resource and perhaps I shall take advantage of it.
As we see the thoughts of Conrad’s troubled characters we feel related to them. Yes, it is normal behavior to alienate when we feel we don’t belong somewhere. But, we as humans may solve these conflicts through reflection. Thinking takes more effort than daydreaming. After reading Heart of Darkness I feel Romantic, I feel we must revive our society.
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