"Everything belonged to him--but that was a trifle. The thing to know was what he belonged to, how many powers of darkness claimed him for their own. That was the reflection that made you creepy all over. It was impossible--not good for one either--trying to imagine. He had taken a high seat amongst the devils of the land--I mean literally. You can't understand--how could you?"
- Part 2, Page 14
With this quote we see that Marlow, the main character; is commenting on Kurtz, the antagonist of the novella. This part is fairly important since it develops more of Kurtz's character and adds more detail. This one excerpt from the story is easily one of my favorites. One of the things I love about this passage is the way the author wrote it, the style in which this passage is written, truly convinces me that Kurtz is evil. The way it is written makes it seem as if the author himself is the one speaking and is dealing with this firsthand. Throughout the book, Kurtz is almost recognized as a god among the locals in the Congo, but with this, he is exposed for what he truly is. Foolishly blinded by greed and power, he threw himself up above all others. He was top rank among his peers at the Inner Station and was very powerful when it came to words. Among that talent, he had charisma and was able to lead groups of men with ease. With such skills, he was able to achieve a high status, but then he used his talent for his own evil deeds and needs. I believe that the Joseph Conrad captures the essence of Kurtz very well here.
Does the passage remind me of a situation I have lived as well?
Now, I have never been in such a situation like this, and I hope to never be. However, the passage does bring up a question: do people honestly get so lost within greed, that they forget what is right and what is wrong? It is nature when it comes to deciphering between the two.
I'd have to recommended this book, since i did enjoy it a bit. However, it was a pretty slow start and was a bit difficult to jump into.
The first thing that caught my eye was the title of this novella. I didn't understand your quote the first time I read it. However, after reading the rest of your response, the meaning of the quote started to sink in and become clear. The quote explains that even though a man can have so many material things he can also be controlled by them. One who consumes several items is not only consuming but as well being consumed by the item, as you explained about Kurtz. The first thought that comes to mind when I hear the word greed is greed for money. One might make a great amount of money and still want to take on more than he can handle. He's not only consuming money but sooner or later he has the mentality that without money or some other material item, he is nothing. He will stop at nothing to collect more of the object he desires. Therefore that substance has a greater power over the man.
ReplyDeleteThe thought of darkness is that in it one loses sight and sense of direction, and darkness is evil. Similarly, greed blinds one's view of anything else of importance besides the thing that he lusts the most: Greed destroys one's character and soul.
I like this quote because it suggests that one should appreciate and be content with the gifts he receives. Also, he should focus more on building character than building an empire of "objects of monetary value".
It's interesting that Joseph Conrad ends the quote with "You can't understand--how could you?" It adds a twist by daring the reader to really contemplate over the message that is incorporated in the quote, and self-evaluate one's self.