What does Kurtz painting symbolize in Heart of Darkness?
Congo River – Marlow’s journey on the Congo River can be said to represent a journey into one’s inner spirit. As Marlow progresses further up the river in his search for Kurtz, he begins to learn more and more about himself. He comes to realize that he probably has more in common with the natives than the smug Europeans who have come to civilize them. At the end of his journey, Marlow learns that everyone has a dark side to them, but that some people can conceal it better than others. ivory – The ivory symbolizes greed and the destructive nature of man. The managers and agents of the Company are so obsessed with obtaining ivory that they forget about their morals and so-called civilized ways. white worsted – Marlow discovers the white worsted wrapped around a negro’s neck at the Outer Station. The fabric can be said to represent the attempt of the Europeans to colonize the natives, and the strangling effect it has on them. Kurtz’s painting – The painting at the Central Station is perha
