Essay | Heart of Darkness: Marlow's Contradictory Character

Marlow is full of confusion, immorality, and deceit . He proves this in the book, Heart of Darkness, by going against his own words and criticizing almost everyone that comes his way. Even though he is caught in his lies, Marlow still exhibits his love toward ideal individuals.

Marlow professes that `You know I hate, detest, and can't bear a lie, ...it appals me.'. He goes on to say that is what he "detest" about the world. He clearly takes a stand and captures an understanding with the audience. Marlow also goes against women by saying that they are `out of touch with truth'. So here he presents a double standard. Women are "culpably ignorant of truth, and in need of falsehood by males" (Watts, "Cambridge" pg.56). Although this book was written in the late 19th century, Marlow wrongly downsizes women's morals...
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