Heart of Darkness post 4 (pages 116-142)

            The characterization of Kurtz by Marlow displays the tragic results of isolation on a previously respectable individual. Marlow explains that the “original” Kurtz had sympathies that “were in the right place” (92). From this quotation, the reader can infer that Kurtz was not always the ivory-obsessed man he has become. However, Kurtz has been assigned to report on his views and actions in the heart of the Congo. He ends this report with “Exterminate all the brutes!” (92). Kurtz gives this order to all those who read his report, and he believes that many people will eventually read it as well. Since Kurtz has been in isolation, he has lost touch with the world outside of the Congo. Nobody is around to shut down Kurtz’s ideas, so he believes his word must be taken with the utmost regard. Kurtz faces no opposing opinions of others, and this proves to be dangerous to his sanity. The fact that Kurtz has been given enough time in isolation to make himself believe his word is divine word displays the disastrous effects isolation can have on an individual. Isolation, due to its large allotment of time for self-reflection, is enough to make a sane man believe he is a god.