How is Marlow morally ambiguous in Heart of Darkness?
In _Heart of Darkness_, by Joseph Conrad, the character Marlow, through his actions and experiences, shows himself to be morally ambiguous in that he goes on the European’s malevolent expedition to Africa yet he seems to despise the events he sees there and in that he performs both noble and ignoble deeds.
Why is Heart of Darkness ambiguous?
Literature is never interpreted in exactly the same way by two different readers. The Ambiguities that exist in this book are Marlow’s relationship to colonialism, Marlow’s changing feelings toward Kurtz, and Marlow’s lie to the Intended at the end of the story. …
Is the ending of Heart of Darkness ambiguous?
The horror!” An entirely ambiguous statement. Similarly, this idea of ambiguity and absence of truth is furthered by the ending of the story. Heart of Darkness ends inconclusively: Marlow finishes his story with the recollection of a lie he once told.
Is Kurtz morally ambiguous?
Kurtz can be considered a morally ambiguous character because he begins his journey into the Congolese jungle with positive intentions only to become a victim of his own inherently wicked nature.
Why does Marlow lie at the end of Heart of Darkness?
More likely, these words reflect Kurtz’s failure to achieve his many lofty goals and fulfill his destiny, and he cannot help but utter in despair as the emptiness of his own life envelopes him. These final words could also broadly symbolize the horror of Belgian (and European) colonialism.
What is the meaning of darkness in Heart of Darkness?
“Darkness” is used as a symbol in Heart of Darkness to represent the bleakness of reality and human nature. Conrad employs the symbol of darkness both literally and figuratively, through the dark sky and through the moral and ethical corruption in the Congo.
What makes Marlow different from other seamen?
What makes Marlow different from other seamen? A. He hates storytelling.
Why does ambiguous mean?
Ambiguous has, like many words in English, more than one possible meaning; a quality some might refer to as ambiguous itself. This word may mean “doubtful or uncertain especially from obscurity or indistinctness,” “capable of being understood in two or more possible senses or ways,” and “inexplicable.”
What is moral ambiguity?
: a lack of certainty about whether something is right or wrong.
What does Heart of Darkness mean in Heart of Darkness?
Joseph Conrad’s most read novella Heart of Darkness has double meaning in its title. One dictionary meaning is that the title refers to the interior of the Africa called Congo. Another hidden meaning is, the title stands for the darkness or the primitiveness that every person possesses in his or her mind and heart.