Kurtz's Last Words

As Heart of Darkness comes to a close, we find Kurtz and Marlow heading back to "civilization" in England from the Congo. Kurtz, already in unstable physical and mental shape, is slowly falling to his death on the boat. When he finally realized he was going to die, Kurtz's last words were "The horror! The horror!" Upon my first time reading this, I was disappointed that these were the only words offered up by Kurtz. The whole book was about meeting Kurtz, and even after we met him, he barely talked. But as I began to think more about his last words, I came to a conclusion that these words hold a lot more meaning. 

"The horror" that Kurtz is referring to is all of the things he had done and witnessed throughout his life in the Congo. It pretty much sums up the experience that we have seen through Marlow's eyes. Kurtz's ultimate downfall was a product of his actions throughout his years working for the Company. In the end, it wasn't even worth it because he died and left all his fortune in the Congo, and there was no one left to continue his legacy. Kurtz's reflections on the way he lived his life are basically flashing right before his eyes in this moment and leaves us to think about what "the horror" really means. 

I find it interesting that Kurtz's reputations in both Brussels and the Congo are so different. England believes that Kurtz is still a good man, whereas he is infamous in the Congo for being so ruthless. 

Comments

[Abby L]

I was confused by "the horror, the horror" too but now that i think about it it makes more sense. His words are kind of melodramatic but I guess it is an accurate representation of what he did with his life.

[Tory G.]

If you read more closely at the bottom of page 105, Marlow says that what amazed him was that kurtz "had pronounced judgment upon the adventures of his soul on earth." On the next page, he praises Kurtz for having something to say at the end of his life, something to sum up and judge. Kurtz's last words not only represent what he did with his life, but that some part of him recognizes and regrets those horrors. Kurtz accepts responsibility for his actions, unlike everyone else in the book, and that almost makes me respect him as a character.

[Liz P.]

Adding to the previous, Kurtz's final words may also signify not only his regret for what he'd done in his life, but the horror of life or the world, itself. The savagery and greed of the world is cloaked in imperialism. Kurtz's realization of the ultimate truth combined with the regret of his insanity is terrifying...obviously. In the simplest terms to sum it up, Conrad is saying life sucks and then you die.