Heart of Darkness #4

Marlow is able to side with Kurtz, because Kurtz has demonstrated the ability to separate himself from the absurd and convoluted pretense of imperialism. In his conversation with the manager, Marlow brands himself as one of 'unsound methods' by criticizing the manager's practices, saying, "that fellow - what's his name? - the brickmaker, will make a readable report for you," (Conrad 144). By recalling the absurdity of the brickmaker who never made any bricks, Marlow highlights the lengths to which imperialist will go to fabricate separation from the primal cruelty it engenders. They would much rather read a report on their problem than address it. When Marlow finds Kurtz in the jungle, he realizes that "He had kicked himself loose of the earth," (Conrad 149). Kurtz has freed himself from all of the boundaries that once held him. He has entirely separated himself from European culture. He is cruel and violent beyond what would have been acceptable in Europe. Furthermore, he does not bind himself with the justifications of imperialism, his greed and power are all the justification he needs to act. He has avoided the 'flabby devil' which Marlow described, instead he is controlled by the strong passions of the other two.