Marlow and Kurtz in Heart of Darkness Conrad's novel, Heart of Darkness, revolves around the enigmatic character of Kurtz, a renegade who has separated himself from authority and by the control of his organization, which wants to put an end to his extreme measures and his "unhealthy methods" (Coppola, 1979; Longman, 2000). As a result of Kurtz's actions, the character of Marlow is sent to retrieve Kurtz from the desolate outback and as a reader we are taken through the involvement of a tension-filled journey along the great Congo River. Along the way, Marlow receives some information about Kurtz's actions and discovers that he himself identifies with and becomes somewhat fond of the man. Their relationship and final moments help bring about a change in Marlowe's own perception of colonialism, as well as enlightening the reader about the various components contained within their characters. When Marlow and Kurtz meet, Marlow already knows about the simulation.... .. middle of paper......tz did, and indeed suffered the same fate. Not only did Kurtz lose his life due to his beliefs and actions, but he also suffered a degradation of the soul. Marlow returns home, Kurtz is physically and spiritually unable to do so. Works cited and consulted Apocalypse Now (1979). Metro Goldwyn Mayer/United Artists. Video: Prarmount Home Video.Longman, (2000). The Longman Anthology of British Literature, Vol. B. Damrosch, D. (ed.). NY, LA: Addison Wesley Longman, Inc.