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In Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, Kurtz fails for many reasons and in many ways. Kurtz's failure is especially tragic because he once had the potential for great success. He was an eloquent, powerful, and persuasive speaker who at one point was adored by all the inhabitants of the heart of darkness, the great and mysterious jungle. Everyone from the innocent natives to the administration of his corrupt company was in awe of him. Why then, did someone with such amazing promise fail?
From the beginning, Kurtz was made out to be an icon, an idol, a god. To Marlow, he was the only thing that made sense in the company, on a journey, in a wilderness wrought with confusion. The company hailed him as their biggest asset and success. He delivered massive amounts of ivory to them and they liked that very much. Kurtz represented many things to many people. Late in the book, several characters mention all the things that Kurtz could have been and the great potential he had.......

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Approximate Word Count: 811
Approximate Pages: 4 (250 words per double-spaced page)

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