Explicate the significance of the dying words of Kurtz: “The horror! The horror!”
Heart of Darkness is a notable literary work by Joseph Conrad. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Heart of Darkness.
Answer
Explicate the significance of the dying words of Kurtz: “The horror! The horror!” [NU: 2017, 20] ★★★
Or, Bring out the full significance of the last words of Kurtz: The Horror! The Horror! in “Heart of Darkness.” [NU: 2022]
Joseph Conrad’s (1857-1924) “Heart of Darkness” (1899) ends with one of the most powerful lines in English literature. As Kurtz lies dying on the steamboat, he whispers twice,
“The horror! The horror!”
These words are short, but they hold deep meaning. They reflect not only Kurtz’s personal truth but also the truth of imperialism, human greed, and the darkness within man.
A Judgment on His Own Life: Kurtz begins his career as an idealist. He writes of bringing “light” to Africa. The Brickmaker calls him an,
“Emissary of pity, and science, and progress”.
But at the Inner Station, Marlow sees skulls on posts. He hears of Kurtz’s violence. At the end, Kurtz realizes his fall. His last words are a confession. They show that he sees the evil of his own actions. He knows he has become corrupt. His cry, “The horror! The horror!”, is a confession of his wasted life.
A Judgment on Imperialism: Kurtz is not only a man. He is also a symbol of the empire. Marlow says,
“All Europe contributed to the making of Kurtz.”
He is the product of European greed. His final cry is not just personal guilt. It is also the judgment of the whole system. The “horror” is the exploitation of Africa, the death of natives, the false mask of “civilization.” Kurtz’s words expose the lie. Brussels, the “White Sepulchre,” hides death. The Outer Station shows destruction. The Central Station shows greed. In the Inner Station, Kurtz becomes mad. His last words judge imperialism itself as a horror.
The Darkness of Human Nature: Conrad’s theme is not only about Africa. It is the heart of man. The Congo River is like,
“An immense snake
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