Part Three of Heart of Darkness - The Aftermath of Kurtz's Death

TLDRAfter Kurtz's death, Marlowe decides to return his letters and photograph to Kurtz's intended. Marlowe stands on the threshold of the young woman's door, imagining the beating of a drama, like the beating of a heart - the heart of a conquering darkness. He meets the intended, dressed in mourning, who asks for Kurtz's dying words.

Key insights

🔍Marlowe's return to the intended marks the aftermath of Kurtz's death and the conclusion of Marlowe's journey.

🕊️The intended represents a refined counterpart to the savage and superb Congolese woman, symbolizing the contrast in civilizations.

💔The intended's grief and high regard for Kurtz highlight the great loss she and the world now suffer.

😢Marlowe's refusal to disclose Kurtz's dying words to the intended shows his understanding of the darkness and complexity of Kurtz's final moments.

😱The intended's triumphant response to the revelation that Kurtz's last word was her name underscores her connection and obsession with Kurtz.

Q&A

What does Marlowe decide to do after Kurtz's death?

—Marlowe decides to return Kurtz's letters and photograph to Kurtz's intended.

How does Marlowe feel as he stands on the threshold of the intended's door?

—Marlowe imagines the beating of a drama, like the beating of a heart - the heart of a conquering darkness.

What does the intended represent in the novella?

—The intended represents a refined counterpart to the savage and superb Congolese woman, symbolizing the contrast in civilizations.

How does the intended react when Marlowe tells her Kurtz's dying words?

—The intended cries out in triumphant pain, as she knew that Kurtz's last word was her name.

What does Marlowe's refusal to disclose Kurtz's dying words suggest?

—Marlowe's refusal shows his understanding of the darkness and complexity of Kurtz's final moments.

Timestamped Summary

00:09Part three of Heart of Darkness continues after Kurtz's death, with Marlowe deciding to return his letters and photograph to Kurtz's intended.

00:22Marlowe stands on the threshold of the young woman's door, imagining the beating of a drama - the heart of a conquering darkness.

00:36The intended, dressed in mourning, meets Marlowe in a lofty drawing-room, and expresses her grief and high regard for Kurtz.

01:01The intended asks Marlowe to reveal Kurtz's dying words, but he refuses, considering them too dark to share.

01:06Marlowe tells the intended that Kurtz's last word was her name, prompting her to cry out in triumphant pain.

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