Discuss the role of Marlow as a narrator

Answer

Comment on Conrad’s narrative technique in “Heart of Darkness.” [NU: 2015]

Or, Discuss the role of Marlow as a narrator.

Or,  Comment on the role of Marlow in the novel “Heart of Darkness.” [NU: 2017]

Or, Write on the character and role of Marlow in “Heart of Darkness.” [NU: 2019] ★★★

Joseph Conrad’s (1857-1924) “Heart of Darkness” (1899) is told by Marlow. He is a sailor who speaks on the Nellie (A type of sailing boat) over the Thames River. Through his voice, we travel to the Congo. He sees the Outer Station, Central Station, and finally the Inner Station. He meets the Manager, the Russian trader, and Kurtz. As the narrator, Marlow shows the truth of the empire and the darkness of man.

Frame on the Thames (A story within a story):  Conrad does not tell the story directly. The story begins on the ship Nellie. He uses a frame narrator. This unnamed narrator first describes the scene: the sunset, the men on the ship, and Marlow’s pose. After that, Marlow begins to tell the story. This man listens while Marlow speaks. Marlow sits with friends. The unnamed narrator says, 

“Marlow sat cross-legged… resembling an idol.”

This shows his role. He is like a prophet. He does not tell a direct tale. He reflects and explains.  Through this frame, Conrad makes the story mysterious. The light of the Thames connects with the darkness of the Congo.

Outer Station – First Hints of Darkness: Marlow’s role as narrator starts with shock. In Brussels, he calls the city the “White Sepulchre” (symbol of hypocrisy). In the Outer Station, he sees starving Africans. He also sees a useless French ship firing into the forest. He observes that the empire is not light, but cruel. Here, he meets the Chief Accountant. The man is clean and white, “like a vision”, but around him is death. This contrast is Marlow’s way of showing irony.

Central Station – Waiting and Listening: At the Central Station, Marlow finds his boat broken. It