HOD essay: intro

Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness is solely a description of Marlow's quest to encounter and learn from Kurtz. Marlow's intense infatuation with Kurtz progresses as Kurtz resolves many of Marlow's internal obstacles. However, it is impossible for Marlow to explicitly illustrate his experience on his journey, because his memories are merely images and feelings from within. Moreover, Marlow refrains from fully exposing himself and his emotions because vulnerability if terrifying. Philosopher Sigmund Freud explains that one's deepest wishes, within one's dreams, cannot be entirely revealed because the wishes of one's id connote unethical, violent, and sexual desires. In addition, critic Frederick R. Karl affirms that the world is comprised of absurdity and irrationality which in essence provokes the unconscious mind and elusive dreams. Throughout the novel, Marlow thoroughly absorbs all that he can from Kurtz, because although Kurtz's qualities disturb and frighten him, these qualities are hidden within himself and his illusions.