Heart of Darkness Second Body

While Conrad effectively conveys Marlow's release of his id through the darkness of humanity, ultimately Marlow's obsession and blindness of his obsession with Kurtz greatly reveals his own downfall as a person. Marlow became so passionate about discovering Kurtz and why he was so celebrated by the company that ultimately he allowed his id to be partly released throughout the journey; however, while Kurtz represents the full release of the sub-conscience, Marlow still was able to hold on to some of his moral values. Even though Marlow would have initially been shocked by Kurtz inability to restrain his inner id, at the end of his journey, Marlow argues that Kurtz was a remarkable man because "He had something to say. He said it. Since I had peeped over the edge myself, I understood better the meaning of his stare, that could not see the flame of the candle, but was wide enough to embrace the whole universe, piercing enough to penetrate all the hearts that beat in the darkness" (Conrad 86). Marlow effectively praising Kurtz rather than being completely stunned and horrified by the inhuman crimes and murders that he has committed clearly demonstrates how Marlow has allowed his id to be released; while Marlow initially would have been opposed to such disgusting and gruesome behavior, he is able to praise Kurtz for taking action. Thus, Conrad vividly portrays the destruction of Marlow through his unique interaction and obsession with Kurtz, furthermore conveying how Conrad believes that each person, even a moral human such as Marlow, can often not restrict releasing their id when faced with such dark and horrific situations surrounding them.