As Kurtz (in some sense) embodies Europe, the Manager embodies the Company that he represents in the Congo. According to Marlow, the Manager “inspires uneasiness” and tries to use this ability to gain information about Kurtz and his activities from Marlow. …
Why is the manager displeased with Kurtz?
The manager and his uncle are unhappy with Kurtz, because he’s too influential with Company heads and they think he’s stealing ivory. Apparently, Kurtz once came down the river to send the ivory to the Company but then decided to turn back.
How does Marlow describe the fireman?
Marlow turns from such deep thoughts to give a humorous description of the fireman on his steamboat, which he terms “an improved specimen.” He says that watching him “was as edifying as seeing a dog in a parody of breeches and a feather hat, walking on his hind legs.” He explains that the fireman very diligently keeps …
Who is the manager’s spy in heart of darkness?
The General Manager’s most trusted agent. A sly, lazy, power-hungry fellow who despite his title seems to have never made a brick, the Brickmaker cares only about his own advancement and therefore sees Kurtz as a threat.
Who is the true hero in Heart of Darkness?
Marlow
Marlow serves as the protagonist of Heart of Darkness, and most of the novella features him telling his own story from his own perspective.
What does the accountant symbolize in Heart of Darkness?
In Heart of Darkness, the chief accountant represents imperialism in both his manner and dress.
Which two groups did Marlow anger for disposing of the helmsman and why are they angry?
Which two groups did Marlow anger for disposing of the helmsman, and why are they angry? The Cannibals and crew were angry as the Cannibals missed a meal and Marlow didn’t properly dispose the body.
What does Marlow need to repair his ship?
rivets
Seeing an opportunity to use the brickmaker’s influence to his own ends, Marlow lets the man believe he really does have influence in Europe and tells him that he wants a quantity of rivets from the coast to repair his ship.
What does Marlow learn when he overhears the manager?
He learns that Kurtz is ill and that he is guarded by the people who are around him. He also learns that the manager is conspiring against Kurtz and the Russian trader, and is plotting to kill them both.
Why does the fireman do his job in Heart of Darkness?
Working to repair his ship and then piloting it up the river provides a much-needed distraction for Marlow, preventing him from brooding upon the folly of his fellow Europeans and the savagery of the natives.
What is papier mache Mephistopheles?
This is expressed thoroughly through Marlow’s description of the Brick maker at the coastal trading station. Marlow describes him as a “papier mache Mephistopheles” (Conrad, 31). Mephistopheles is the Demon from “Faust” who is depicted within folklore to collect the souls of the already damned.
Why is Marlow the hero?
Marlow becomes the hero of this story because he’s able to retain a positive attitude throughout the journey. In his epic case, he remains positive mostly for his own sanity. In a more literal sense, Marlow is a hero by simply “winning” in the end by not being consumed by the primitive wilderness.
What is the general manager’s character in heart of Darkness?
General Manager Character Timeline in Heart of Darkness. Marlow is immediately taken to see this General Manager , who is thoroughly unremarkable in intelligence, leadership, and unskilled at even maintaining order. Marlow… (full context) The General Manager explains why he took the steamship onto the river before Marlow, its pilot,…
What kind of character is Marlow in heart of Darkness?
Marlow The protagonist of Heart of Darkness. Marlow is philosophical, independent-minded, and generally skeptical of those around him. He is also a master storyteller, eloquent and able to draw his listeners into his tale.
What does Marlow say about the fireman?
In other words, Marlow believes Africans are lazy and only compelled to work by force. Marlow goes on to explain the fireman is “a thrall to witchcraft,” “full of improving knowledge,” and only useful because “he had been instructed,” repeatedly emphasizing the fireman lacks intellect (52).
What does Marlow overhear the general manager talking about Kurtz?
Some time later, as Marlow rests on his steamship, he overhears the General Manager talking with his Uncle about Kurtz. They are annoyed that Kurtz has so much influence… (full context) …batch of ivory, but apparently came halfway down the river and then turned back.
