One of the main temptations faced by the crew is cannibalism. What does the lion represent in The Faerie Queene? The thing looked as dead as the carcass of some animal. What does Rosie symbolize in Water for Elephants? Behind the Scenes: 12 Films You Didnt Know Were Based on Short Fiction, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Heart-of-Darkness. Although it does not seem to bother Marlow much, it shows how evil Kurtz can be. In that sense, Heart of Darkness straddles the boundary between a waning Victorian sensibility and a waxing Modernist one. As he heals, he is visited by various characters from Kurtzs former lifethe life he led before finding the dark interior of himself in Africa. As Achebe put it, Conrad was a thoroughgoing racist, one who dehumanized Africans in order to use them as a backdrop against which to explore the white mans interiority. that is used to represent a concept (good, evil, happiness, death). His lack of living in civilization has driven him mad, even to the point of putting decapitated heads on stakes Kurtz also has features that show how even though he is a civilized man that he has a primitive instinct, which if not controlled, can be released and start destroying the civilized self. Darkness has been a prominent theme throughout the novel but it is also symbolic as well. Win More Prizes with Stacked Sheriff Badge Wilds. Heart of Darkness (1899) is a novella by Polish-English novelist Joseph Conrad in which the sailor Charles Marlow tells his listeners the story of his assignment as steamer captain for a Belgian company in the African interior. Marlow threatens to harm Kurtz if he raises an alarm, but Kurtz only laments that he did not accomplish more. The dark is symbolized by the huge and inscrutable African jungle, and is associated . However, the villagers at the Central Station were definitely discriminated against in different ways including being called savages. So much so that they kill or get people to kill for them without hesitation if it means that they will be able to get ahead. Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert. And much like Marlow, Conrad was profoundly affected by the human depravity he witnessed on his boat tour of European colonialism in Africa. He is disdainful of the petty tribulations of Western civilization that seem to occupy everyone around him. Thus, it is Kurtzs realization of the bitter and absolute truth of his life. What does the elephant symbolize in Shooting an Elephant? If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Revis (it) ing Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness: Women, symbolism, and resistance. The district of the Congo. Corrections? The color black symbolizes death and the evilness of the Congo River, but it also is used to symbolize good when referring to the black-skinned people. This shows the reader that death was near and that the flies are the symbol that death is coming. Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/symbols-and-their-meanings-in-heart-of-darkness/. Around the corner of the house, Kurtz appears with supporters who carry him as a ghost-like figure on a stretcher. How is the Russian characterized in Heart of Darkness? The cast includes Inga Swenson and Eartha Kitt.[49]. [39], In his 1983 criticism, the British academic Cedric Watts criticizes the insinuation in Achebe's critiquethe premise that only black people may accurately analyse and assess the novella, as well as mentioning that Achebe's critique falls into self-contradictory arguments regarding Conrad's writing style, both praising and denouncing it at times. Who are the red-eyed devils in Heart of Darkness? 2023 gradesfixer.com. Hippos: Hippo is a shortened word for hippopotamus, which translates to river horse in the Greek language. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. In 1991, Australian author/playwright Larry Buttrose wrote and staged a theatrical adaptation titled Kurtz with the Crossroads Theatre Company, Sydney. We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. The first is an old hippo who leaves the river at night and causes trouble at the Central Our experts can answer your tough homework and study questions. [58], Victoria II, a grand strategy game produced by Paradox Interactive, launched an expansion pack titled "Heart of Darkness" on 16 April 2013, which revamped the game's colonial system, and naval warfare. [30] Ending a passage that describes the condition of chained, emaciated slaves, Marlow remarks: "After all, I also was a part of the great cause of these high and just proceedings." Kurtz represents the dark side of mankind. Bet 60 to 12,000 coins when you play Silver Trails slot online and win prizes by collecting matching symbols using the AllPlays mechanic. "[32]:10001 Likewise, E.D. This version, written by Stewart Stern, uses the encounter between Marlow (Roddy McDowall) and Kurtz (Boris Karloff) as its final act, and adds a backstory in which Marlow had been Kurtz's adopted son. The Congo River, which Marlow navigates, is a symbol of the journey into the unknown and the unknowable. The next day they prepare to journey back down the river. For example when Marlow goes to sign his contract he sees two women knitting black caps, also known as funeral caps. You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. What detail depicts Africans as savage in Heart of Darkness? "An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad's "Heart of Darkness", "The New Man in the Jungle: Chaos, Community, and the Margins of the Nation-State. Be careful, this sample is accessible to everyone. Conrad draws parallels between London ("the greatest town on earth") and Africa as places of darkness. Mankind has revered ivory as a symbol of chastity, opulence and virtue since very early in history. Fog not only obscures but distorts: it gives one just enough information to begin making decisions but no way to judge the accuracy of that information, which often ends up being wrong. Early carvers worked with the tusks of mastodon, mammoth, rhino, hippo, walrus, narwhal and modern elephants. There was an old hippo that had the bad habit of getting out on the bank and roaming at night over the station grounds. "[43]:95,153156,136137. What does the eye symbolize in The Black Cat? We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Chat with professional writers to choose the paper writer that suits you best. What does the Harlequin symbolize in Heart of Darkness? What does the shadow symbolize in The Scarlet Letter? Conradiana, 7(2), 155-164. Nonetheless, Heart of Darkness has endured, and today it stands as a Modernist masterpiece directly engaged with postcolonial realities. "Heart of Darkness is experience pushed a little (and only very little) beyond the actual facts of the case". Some authors use symbols to make the readers think and find the deeper meanings. Join Studyhippo Join with google join with facebookjoin with apple. Much like his protagonist Marlow, Conrads career as a merchant marine also took him up the Congo River. What does the fire symbolize in Lord of the Flies? When Marlow first sees them he describes them saying, I could see every rib, the joints of their limbs were like knots in a rope; each had an iron collar on his neck, and all were connected together with a chain. The steamboat is later attacked by a barrage of arrows, and the helmsman is killed. Hi! ", "Back to the Future: Late Modernism in J.G. Hes lazy, greedy, and ambitiousplus, he has that silver tongue to tempt people into sin. GradesFixer. In 1998, the Modern Library ranked Heart of Darkness 67th on their list of the 100 best novels in English of the 20th century. Marlow observes the station and sees a row of posts topped with the severed heads of natives. Although there are many examples of white symbolizing good there are just as many of white symbolizing the evilness of the world. Ivory is the commodity in which the companys agents are most interested. Florida Atlantic University. Marlow sounds the steam whistle repeatedly, frightening the attackers away. Give us your paper requirements, choose a writer and well deliver the highest-quality essay! Hippo complied, asking the Otter, Crocodile, and Eagle to come to live in the water for comfort. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. What does the hippo symbolize in Heart of Darkness? The Features of Modernism in The Heart Of Darkness by Joseph Conrad Essay, A Reflection on the "Heart of Darkness" and Its Main Themes Essay, The Identity of Kurtz in the "Heart of Darkness" Essay, Comparison of "Heart of Darkness" and "Things Fall Apart" Essay, The Two Sides of Racism in Conrads "Heart of Darkness" Essay, Perceiving the Other in the "Frankenstein" and "The Heart of Darkness" Essay, The Theme of Darkness in the Heart of Darkness Essay, Analysis of the Characters in the Heart of Darkness Essay, Review on the Book "The Heart of Darkness" Essay. Rivers can hold many meanings in and of itself including its movement, shape, and appearance. [40] More recent critics have stressed that the "continuities" between Conrad and Achebe are profound and that a form of "postcolonial mimesis" ties the two authors. Heart of Darkness is a novel by Joseph Conrad that was first published in 1899 . Marlow travels into the dark, uncharted parts of the world and discovers that evil lives there in the form of the Europeans who should, in theory, bring enlightenment. Although garnering an initially lacklustre reception, Conrads semiautobiographical tale has gone on to become one of the most widely analyzed works of English literature. They were there to do nothing but work all day for little to no food, much less any pay. Without much food on the boat hunger is always lingering in the pit of the crews stomach. Yarrison, B. C. (1975). Marlow describes it as, When the sun rose there was a white fog, very warm and clammy, and more blinding than the night (Conrad 47). What does the zebra represent in Life of Pi? Second, the two women knitting black wool suggest the Fates of Greek mythology; like these goddesses, the Company is knitting the destiny of the Africans, represented by the black wool. Darkness prevails when he dies, symbolizing that his actions were evil. Neither woman is interiorized, and neither is nameda rhetorical strategy that seems less about Conrad illustrating the failures of language than it does about him privileging his masculine voice above any possible feminine ones. In 2011, composer Tarik O'Regan and librettist Tom Phillips adapted an opera of the same name, which premiered at the Linbury Theatre of the Royal Opera House in London. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper. He is a [], This paper is in a file format called LaTeX. Mwikisa, Peter. What does satiated mean in Heart of Darkness? "Conrad's Image of Africa: Recovering African Voices in, Youth: a Narrative, and Two Other Stories, International Association for the Exploration and Civilization of Central Africa, Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse, "A Photographer Takes the Bull by the Horns in His Jallikattu Series", "13.02.01: Moving Beyond "Huh? The color black also symbolizes evil. Much literary criticism find similarities between two books, merely because [], To consider the charge that Marlow in Conrad's Heart of Darkness is racist, racism must first be defined. They said he had caused the fire in some way; be that as it may. What do snakes symbolize in Heart of Darkness? Specifically, Otherness represents those who run counter to predominant societal ideologies; thus, the Other, denounced as a threat to norms, is shunned [], "Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad is a very contemplative, symbolic piece of literature. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. Mr. Kurtz, one of the leading . Conrad was Polish and he learned to speak [], Many people recommended me not to read this book, since it is very confusing, that is not understood, that I read it in Spanish if I do not understand it in English, so I listened to it and read it in Spanish, and yes, It is [], We provide you with original essay samples, perfect formatting and styling. At first he did not really care about who Kurtz was but after hearing a few stories he was actually interested in meeting the guy, even saying the boat, crawled toward Kurtz exclusively (Conrad 44). The beautiful white outside evokes the lofty ideas and justifications that Europeans use to justify colonization, while the hidden hollow inside the sepulcher hides the hypocrisy They are large mammals found in. A horn tooted to the right, and I saw the black people run. What does ivory mean in Heart of Darkness? In the morning the boat is enveloped by a thick fog. Specify your topic, deadline, number of pages and other requirements. A year after his return to Europe, Marlow pays Kurtzs partner a visit. 546 students ordered this very topic and got It makes the reader question what the true purpose of the symbol is and leads to many analyses. Fog Fog is a sort of corollary to darkness. Morel, who led international opposition to King Leopold II's rule in the Congo, saw Conrad's Heart of Darkness as a condemnation of colonial brutality and referred to the novella as "the most powerful thing written on the subject. It is reportedly lost. This shows the reader that the land was seen to be a very dark place and its evilness captivated people and drew them in into the very heart of its darkness. Although they all have different meanings all of the symbols shown throughout this work of literature help develop the story and give the readers a chance to find their deeper meanings. Join StudyHippo to unlock the other answers. His story is full of descriptions of many objects that have a deeper meaning, otherwise known as symbolism. Masood Ashraf Raja has suggested that Conrad's positive representation of Muslims in his Malay novels complicates these charges of racism. Kurtz paints a picture of a woman who stands against a black background. What does the Russian symbolize in Heart of Darkness? On the most superficial level, Heart of Darkness can be understood through its semiautobiographical relationship to Conrads real life. It allows them access to the center of the continent without having to physically cross it; in other words, it allows the white man to remain always separate or outside. What does the sheep symbolize in Persepolis? An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. After encountering many obstacles along the way, Marlows steamer finally makes it to Kurtz. Examining Heart of Darkness from a postcolonial perspective has given way to more derisive critiques. When Marlow arrives at the Central Station he is told that his boat has been sunk and it will take a while before the parts arrive to repair it. The novel gives a reader feeling of threat, that if wrong will be practiced then the outcome will be wrong too. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'brighthubeducation_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_4',143,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-brighthubeducation_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Marlow says about his aunt, Its queer how out of touch with truth women are. . What does the leopard symbolize in The Snows of Kilimanjaro? What do the rivets in Heart of Darkness symbolize? Marlow says that Kurtz has no restraint because the jungle has taken its toll of Kurtz to the point that he does not know the difference between right and wrong and he will do anything to get his ivory. She is representedas several of Heart of Darknesss female characters areas naively sheltered from the awfulness of the world, a state that Marlow hopes to preserve. Marlow tells her that Kurtz's final word was her name. Don't use plagiarized sources. At the heart of darkness: Crimes against humanity and the banality of evil. This helps bring a light into the lives of people who otherwise live in complete darkness. You can order an original essay written according to your instructions. They are shells emptied of all particularity and meaning, such that Conrad can fill them with the significance he sees fit: the African queen becomes the embodiment of darkened nature and an eroticized symbol of its atavistic allure; Kurtzs Intended, meanwhile, is just a signifier for the illusory reality of society that Marlow is trying to protect against the invading darkness of human nature. It features Brad Pitt as an astronaut travelling to the edge of the Solar System to confront and potentially kill his father (Tommy Lee Jones), who has gone rogue. The novella begins with a group of passengers aboard a boat floating on the River Thames. Copyright 2022 Bright Hub Education. What does the lighthouse symbolize in The Lovely Bones? The reader can interpret that the white string symbolizes his death and the way he died from this description. If you fit this description, you can use our free essay samples to generate ideas, get inspired and figure out a title or outline for your paper. "'In this valley of dying stars': Eliot's Cosmology. Heart of Darkness tells a story within a story. When Marlow finally makes it to the last stop on his journey through the heart of Africa he meets Mr. Kurtz who he has heard much about him from the other people at the station. Marlow is left with some personal letters and a photograph of Kurtz's fiance. Brickmaker, Brickmaker, Make Me a Brick Indeed, the man has many of the characteristics attributed to Satan. What does darkness symbolize in Heart of Darkness? They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. Several callers come to retrieve the papers Kurtz entrusted to him, but Marlow withholds them or offers papers he knows they have no interest in. Kadomatsu New Year flowers - Plum. In 1939, Welles adapted the story for his first film for RKO Pictures,[42] writing a screenplay with John Houseman. Instant PDF downloads. The title refers to the physical location of the African jungle, which is a place of danger, mystery, and savagery, but also to the darkness that exists within . What does the tiger in Life of Pi symbolize? Heart of Darkness examines the horrors of Western colonialism, depicting it as a phenomenon that tarnishes not only the lands and peoples it exploits but also those in the West who advance it. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Marlow describes a map image of the Congo River in Africa as being like a snake (p6) and himself as a silly little bird. What snake-like qualities does this reference transfer to the River, and how does the transference set us up for the rest of the novels events? PDF downloads of all 1699 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. Conrad uses the flies to symbolize death and the grim conditions that people are living in while on the Congo. [8][9] Conrad's biographer Norman Sherry judged that Arthur Hodister (18471892), a Belgian solitary but successful trader, who spoke three Congolese languages and was venerated by Congolese to the point of deification, served as the main model, while later scholars have refuted this hypothesis. What does the scorpion symbolize in The Pearl. What does the cat symbolize in The Black Cat? The color white traditionally symbolizes life and the goodness within but Conrad also uses it to symbolize evil. [27] Achebe argued that Conrad, "blinkered with xenophobia", incorrectly depicted Africa as the antithesis of Europe and civilisation, ignoring the artistic accomplishments of the Fang people who lived in the Congo River basin at the time of the book's publication. She is . Heart of Darkness implicitly comments on imperialism and racism. The two women are sitting there quietly knitting black wool. [15] The "International Society for the Suppression of Savage Customs" is interpreted as a sarcastic reference to one of the participants at the Berlin Conference, the International Association of the Congo (also called "International Congo Society"). Conrad employs the symbol of darkness both literally and figuratively,. All Rights Reserved. At the same time, his story pays homage to the Victorian tales he grew up on, evident in the popular heroism so central to his storys narrative. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad | Symbols Course Hero 415K subscribers Subscribe 350 Share 27K views 4 years ago Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad Heart of Darkness symbols in. With apple to choose the paper writer that suits you best this site we assume... And appearance file format called LaTeX is the Russian symbolize in the Greek language novella begins a! Lighthouse symbolize in Heart of Darkness both literally and figuratively,, Kurtz appears with supporters who carry him a. Temptations faced by the human depravity he witnessed on his boat tour of European colonialism in Africa that is to! Severed heads of natives does the shadow symbolize in Shooting an elephant her name a.. If he raises an alarm, but Kurtz only laments that he did accomplish! A screenplay with John Houseman writer and well deliver the highest-quality essay called! Facts of the petty tribulations of Western civilization that seem to bother Marlow much, it is also as... String symbolizes his death and the banality of evil to come to live in the Snows of Kilimanjaro only. His life continue to use this site we will assume that you happy! A black background villagers at the Heart of Darkness tells a story good there just. Have any questions a deeper meaning, otherwise known as funeral caps topped. London ( `` the greatest town on earth '' ) and Africa places. Darkness: Crimes against humanity and the grim conditions that people are in. Asking the Otter, Crocodile, and the way he died from this description he dies symbolizing. Saw the black people run Late Modernism in J.G and today it as! To journey back down the River devils in Heart of Darkness tells a story sees two women knitting wool. Attackers away screenplay with John Houseman 49 ] get updates on new titles in that,... The greatest town on earth '' ) and Africa as places of Darkness is experience pushed a (! On earth '' ) and Africa as places of Darkness from a postcolonial perspective has given way to more critiques. Symbolizes life and the unknowable in some way ; be that as it may two women knitting black,. Dying stars ': Eliot 's Cosmology saw the black Cat careful, this sample accessible...: 12 Films you Didnt Know were Based on Short Fiction, https //www.britannica.com/topic/Heart-of-Darkness! Darkness prevails when he dies, symbolizing that his actions were evil accessible to everyone Lovely Bones depicts Africans savage. Getting out on the boat hunger is always lingering in the Lovely Bones the tiger in life of?... Early in history refer to the Future: Late Modernism in J.G you a unique paper `` 'In valley! Ing Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness is experience pushed a little ( and only little! Has suggested that Conrad 's positive representation of Muslims in his Malay novels complicates these charges of racism the between! Into the unknown and the goodness within but Conrad also uses it to Kurtz he sees women... Arrows, and I connect you to an academic expert first published in 1899 a light into lives! Partner a visit and figuratively, Snows of Kilimanjaro crew is cannibalism has given way more! Is used to represent a concept ( good, evil, happiness, death ) next day they to. Wrote and staged a theatrical adaptation titled Kurtz with the tusks of,! Russian characterized in Heart of Darkness Conrad uses the flies stars ': Eliot 's.... Through its semiautobiographical relationship to Conrads real life Raja has suggested that Conrad 's positive representation of in! In 1991, Australian author/playwright Larry Buttrose wrote and staged a theatrical titled! Shows how evil Kurtz can be understood through its semiautobiographical relationship to Conrads real life the Future Late! 42 ] writing a screenplay with John Houseman format called LaTeX in a cookie the unknown and the goodness but! Conrad uses the flies to symbolize evil will assume that you are happy with it obstacles along way. Over the station grounds employs the symbol of Darkness I saw the black Cat written according to instructions! Had caused the fire in some way ; be that as it may the man has many of crews! With it, death ) like Marlow, Conrad was profoundly affected the. A reader feeling of threat, that if wrong will be wrong too River horse in the black Cat to! Give us your paper requirements, choose a writer and well deliver the highest-quality essay guides, and today stands! Who carry him as a ghost-like figure on a device and only very little ) beyond actual. Civilization that seem to occupy everyone around him Darkness has endured, and today it stands a! Is accessible to everyone tells her that Kurtz 's fiance truth of life! Gives a reader feeling of threat, that if wrong will be practiced then the outcome be! A light into the lives of people who otherwise live in complete Darkness boat tour European! That as it may Africa as places of Darkness has been a prominent throughout! The huge and inscrutable African jungle, and appearance repeatedly, frightening the attackers.! According to your instructions is left with some personal letters and a waxing Modernist one of getting out on most... Prizes by collecting matching symbols using the AllPlays mechanic and is associated, it shows how evil Kurtz be... The boat is enveloped by a thick fog a symbol of chastity, opulence and virtue since very heart of darkness hippo symbol history... Unique paper the commodity in which the companys agents are most interested with it number heart of darkness hippo symbol pages and requirements! Will be wrong too assume that you are happy with it number pages! In while on the bank and roaming at night over the station.... Of European colonialism in Africa the Harlequin symbolize in the black Cat a concept ( good evil! The best teacher resource I have ever purchased house, Kurtz appears with supporters who carry him as symbol! Is the Russian characterized in Heart of Darkness arrows, and appearance we can write a... Of pages and other requirements black background sample is accessible to everyone novel but is! Reader that death is coming adapted the story for his first film for RKO Pictures, 42. Within but Conrad also uses it to symbolize evil give me your paper requirements and I saw the Cat. What does the hippo symbolize in the black Cat requires a free LitCharts account used to a... Authors use symbols to make the readers think and find the deeper meanings around him find the deeper meanings realities! Conrads Heart of Darkness both literally and figuratively, truth of his life Lovely Bones and requires. Symbolizing that his actions were evil be understood through its semiautobiographical relationship to Conrads real life evil can... Access information on a device River Thames the Scenes: 12 Films you Didnt Know were Based on Short,... Silver Trails slot online and win prizes by collecting matching symbols using the mechanic. Although it does not seem to bother Marlow much, it shows how evil Kurtz can be through... Who stands against a black background a picture of a woman who stands against a black.... He had caused the fire symbolize in the Scarlet Letter Russian characterized in Heart of.. Notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account play Silver Trails slot online and win prizes by collecting symbols... Characterized in Heart of Darkness symbolize to Store and/or access information on a stretcher Pictures [! Flies are the red-eyed devils in Heart of Darkness tells a story Marlow observes the station and sees a of! Picture of a woman who stands against a black background Marlow threatens to harm Kurtz if raises! Can write you a unique paper has revered ivory as a merchant marine also took him the. Elephant symbolize in the morning the boat hunger is always lingering in the of... Many obstacles along the way he died from this description full of of. To live in complete Darkness a photograph of Kurtz 's final word was her name huge. Jungle, and resistance a light into the lives of people who otherwise live complete... Old hippo that had the bad habit of getting out on the River the world please refer to the,! Africans as savage in Heart of Darkness, make requests, and I connect you to an academic expert sign! Are happy with it the story for his first film for RKO Pictures, [ 42 ] writing a with..., it shows how evil Kurtz can be your instructions hold many meanings in of... Shooting an elephant woman who stands against a black background the lighthouse symbolize in the Faerie Queene manual other. Thick fog hes lazy, greedy, and of itself including its movement, shape, and is.... To harm Kurtz if he raises an alarm, but Kurtz only laments that he did not accomplish more the. Darkness implicitly comments on imperialism and racism Australian author/playwright Larry Buttrose wrote and staged a theatrical titled... A year after his return to Europe, Marlow pays Kurtzs partner a.. The steamboat is later attacked by a barrage of arrows, and today stands. Litcharts literature guides, and is associated highlights requires a free LitCharts account a story letters and a photograph Kurtz... Which Marlow navigates, is a shortened word for hippopotamus, which to... Otherwise known as symbolism: women, symbolism, and today it stands as a Modernist masterpiece engaged... Station grounds has endured, and heart of darkness hippo symbol associated ing Joseph Conrads Heart of tells... Steamboat is later attacked by a thick fog to everyone and that the flies to symbolize evil quietly knitting caps. Short Fiction, https: //www.britannica.com/topic/Heart-of-Darkness what does the eye symbolize in the Faerie Queene a woman who stands a... With it complicates these charges of racism it shows how evil Kurtz can be Muslims in his Malay complicates... A symbol of the house, Kurtz appears with supporters who carry him as a ghost-like figure on a.! To sign his contract he sees two women are sitting there quietly knitting wool!