Throughout Heart of Darkness, by Joseph Conrad, Kurtz, the head of the inner station, appears briefly but leaves an overall theme on the work. Through Kurtz' actions, the climax is revealed when the complementary characters distinguish the true man that Kurtz is, revealing an overall theme of corruption of man through greed.
Kurtz is portrayed as being a genius, and a superior man to those around him. Kurtz is recognized as such a superior to most of the people around him including the natives and the Englishmen, until they begin to catch on. He is head of the inner station which gives him power over the majority of the people. Kurtz is a multi-talented man which is looked highly upon to the people around him, and he is also a manipulator of words and can win people over through his smooth talking. Before Marlow, the main character that is traveling the Congo, begins on his journey, Kurtz kills many of the natives. This was strictly a symbol of power which was widely recognized. It is hard to identify the true Kurtz due to his contrary ways. The commerce and trade of ivory is a major part of life in the Congo once the Englishmen arrive. Kurtz is on a mission to obtain self fulfillment through power and wealth. Although no one admits that Kurtz' main mission is to obtain what he wants, while playing the role of a kind and intelligent man that everyone loves. The trip through the Congo leads Marlow to recognize true imperialism and power that the English have over an underdeveloped land, and how he main goal is to obtain more power through a bribery affect. Kurtz dying words are "The Horror. The Horror!- Kurtz knows what he has done and his wrong doings. When taking a deeper look past the outer image that Kurtz portrays, it can be seen that h isn't the man he comes of as. When Marlow goes to tell Kurtz' fiancée of his death, he tells her that his last words were her name. He knows that if he were to tell her that his true words were other than that, it would be unclear and outrageous in the eyes of one who acknowledges only his "real- charismatic and loving ways.
