The identity of Kurtz is unrevealed in Joseph Conrad’s classic novella Heart of Darkness. Marlow’s impression of Kurtz comes largely from hearsay received from Europeans. He is an extraordinary man with a desire to civilize the indigenous peoples. Marlow is amazed at Kurtz when he finally meets him. Marlow discovers that he is ill and perhaps even insane. He was not as surprised as he had expected. Marlow is not aware of the different accounts Kurtz’s friends and family gave. This raises questions about Kurtz’s identity. Many people who knew Kurtz could either be right or have constructed delusional accounts. Another possibility is that Kurtz’s essence was altered by the “darkness” in Congo during his time there. The discrepancies in Kurtz’s legend and Kurtz himself must have a reason.
Kurtz’s influence was evident in the lives of many. Marlow holds Kurtz high in his heart. Kurtz’s “enlarged mind” is what he claims (Conrad p. 48). Kurtz later confides to Marlow that his plans for fame and fortune seem absurd and ridiculous. This could be because Marlow and Kurtz have different perceptions. One man’s perception of genius may be different from another’s. Conrad may have been commenting on the human perceptions. Kurtz is not the only story Conrad tells. Kurtz’s role is more like a collection images that have been created by others. Marlow is told that Kurtz’s uncle was a great musician. Kurtz is also depicted by a Belgian journalist. Kurtz was, according to him, a brilliant politician who led men. Kurtz’s influence on all aspects of people’s lives has been different for everyone. Kurtz was a loving, devoted and humanitarian guru to his intended. Evidently, she didn’t know that Kurtz was having an affair. Kurtz’s perception is flawed in the eyes of the Intended. Did Kurtz project onto her a picture of himself that he wanted? Marlow even told the Intended that Kurtz’s dying words were his name, supporting her fallacious memory. Marlow’s motives for doing this are not known, but it may have been to preserve Kurtz’s memory and reputation. It doesn’t matter what, all of these people seem to have different memories about Kurtz. This could be due to different perceptions, or Kurtz’s ability to give people what they want or need to see. It was interesting to note that Kurtz thought each of these people knew him so well. His Intended said, “I knew Kurtz the best” (Conrad, p. 73). He may have been unknown to all of them. Because he represents the best of each person, he had an influence on them all. Kurtz might have changed during his time in Congo.
Kurtz’s mentality may have been affected by Kurtz’s jungle surroundings. Marlow lost his sense of touch while in the river. Marlow is not thought to have been insensitive, but he was curious and caring. Marlow went to Congo to see the white areas on the African map. He does not seem to notice that his helmsman was killed by natives. Instead of lamenting his loss, he immediately changes his shoes and socks. Perhaps all people feel the same effects from the darkness in the jungle. Kurtz was unable to use his senses for long periods of time because he spent so much time in the jungle.
Freud’s study of the human mind attempts a explanation for Kurtz’s mentality. Freud states that the ‘id is the part that human beings are born with. It serves to control our desires. The ‘id’ serves to rationalize the innate desires. This is how the ego emerges. Freud states that the’superego controls the mind and can be developed by external control such as social conscience. People who grow up in different cultures will have a different’superego’. This is why the differences in the “civilization” of Congolese people and Europeans would be so different. Freud thinks that the’superego’ is something that can only be created when an adult has reached adulthood. Freud might be wrong. Kurtz may have become a madman in the “darkness,” or Africa. Kurtz has placed the heads of rebels on spikes in front of his office. He is believed to have convinced the native tribes to worship him, although it isn’t clear how. This means he does not live according to European standards. Kurtz would not have found the benefit in his European bred Superego. He might have lost his’superego.’ Perhaps he adapted to the new environment. Kurtz may even have overcome his’superego. Freud might not believe this. Heart of Darkness is dark without a’superego. It could also be the id, which allows all of its animalistic instincts to surface. (Freud pp. 12-17)
It is difficult for us to understand how Kurtz managed to make connections with so many people despite his seeming isolation and insularity. Kurtz was not open to letting anyone know him. He allowed others to see him as they desired. These people used what they knew of Kurtz to make an impression on him. Kurtz was a person the Intended loved and cared for. The Russian trader saw him as an inspiration. Marlow was somewhat inspired by Kurtz’s brief relationship. Kurtz was intriguing to Marlow and helped him escape the oppression in Congo. Kurtz was a viable alternative to Marlow’s laziness and emptiness. Kurtz accomplished his task. He was more successful than any other manager. He was open about how he did it. He forced other people to steal ivory. He used suppression, extermination, and other methods to obtain his desired results. Kurtz was not afraid to speak out about his tactics. However, this is what he needed for the locals to fear him. Kurtz was not a person who wanted ivory because he was nice to others. Kurtz has redefined himself to be useful for others and this is another example.
Marlow knew Kurtz only briefly, but Kurtz played an important role in his life. Marlow wonders if he really has any role in this world. Kurtz’s demise leaves him in charge of his legacy and ideas. Marlow is aware that, even though he has nothing to share, Marlow would still be able to speak for himself. Kurtz had something to offer. Conrad mentioned that he had said it (p. 70). Marlow has found his purpose in carrying on Kurtz’s legacy. His purpose is tell Kurtz’s story and make it more accessible to others. Kurtz thus gave Marlow a purpose in life and has influenced yet another person.
Kurtz’s appearance to display so many traits throughout his story raises questions about his true identity. Kurtz: Who were you? Kurtz could have been one of many characters, and it’s almost impossible to tell in which environment he was true to himself. It is possible that he was possessed by a European-style superego and lost his ability to make money in the Congo. Kurtz may be able to project different parts of himself to different people. He could show people the best part of himself, so in a sense, Kurtz’s story isn’t clear and it only tells a few stories about him from those who were able to speak for him. Conrad seems attempting to convey a message about human interaction and the natures of societies: that we may never know anyone else.
