Heart of Darkness - Outline :: essays research papers

Marlow stands on the Thames River and remarks that the land he and his comrades is standing on was once a role of darkness and an uncivilized wildernessThrough nostalgia he remembers an incident from his past when he commanded a steamboat on the Congo River. He talks about the alliances chief accountant who first mentions Kurtz to him.The accountant tells him that Kurtz supplies more ivory for the company than everyone else combined.Marlows interests in Kurtz is perked.Marlow discovers that the steamer he is supposed to command has been destroyed in a wreck. He meets the local manager who mentions Kurtz in conversation.He tells Marlow that Kurtz is ill and he must develop to Kurtz swiftly and bring him back for checkup treatment. Marlow speaks with a brick maker who admires and envies Kurtz.Marlow eavesdrops on a conversation between the manager and uncle. He learns that the manager resents Kurtz.Three months pass. Marlow and a crew set sail towards Kurtzs location.Fifty miles before Kurtzs station, they discover a hut bearing wood for the steamboat and message to proceed with caution.Two days later they awaken to an antiaircraft gun by the savages. The helmsman is killed. Kurtz blows the steamboat whistle to frighten away the savages. Dumps dead helmsmans body overboard so cannibals dont get any ideas about eating him.They arrive at the Inner Station. Greeted by a Russian that takes care of Kurtz.Through conversation with the Russian, they learn that Kurtz has not been the close upstanding and moral person. Hes been abusive to the natives.Kurtz appears, carried on a stretcher. They carry Kurtz onboard the steamboat.The manager tells Marlow he disapproves of Kurtz. The Russian makes a visit to Marlow, tells him that Kurtz ordered the access on their vessel that killed their helmsman. Kurtz escapes and swims ashore. Marlow goes after him and cuts him off. They make a departure, savages show up, Marlow blows whistle and scares them away again.