Power has been defined as the psychological relations over another to get them to do what you want them to do. We are exposed to forms of power from the time of birth. Our parents exercise power over us to behave in a way they deem appropriate. In school, teachers use their power to help us learn. When we enter the work world the power of our boss motivates us to perform and desire to move up the corporate ladder so that we too can intimidate someone with power one day. In Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness Kurtz had a power over the jungle and its people that was inexplicable.
Kurtz is one of many men sent into the jungle to rape the land and its people of its natural resources. Many men have journeyed into the jungle also refereed as the heart of darkness never to return. Kurtz goes into the jungle and becomes obsessed with the people and the land. Though Kurtz has an obsession with ivory this is not the sole reason for him to overstay his welcome in the jungle.
Power this is what kept Kurtz in the jungle for such a long period of time. Determined not to become another causality he becomes allies with the natives through fear. Kurtz is a brilliant man who did not have to adapt to his environment but had it adapt to him. On top of a hill his hut is surrounded by the heads of men who have betrayed in him some sort, this serves as a reminder to anyone who contemplates going against his wish.
When Marlow finally reaches Kurtz he is in declining health. This same jungle which he loved, embraced and consumed with every ounce of his flesh had also taken its toll on him. Marlow finally meets the man whose name has haunted him on his river journey. Could this frail human be the ever so powerful Kurtz? The man who has journeyed into uncharted territories and has come back with scores of ivory and the respect of the native tribe. Yes, this was the very man and though he is weak and on his way to death his power still exudes from him.
This is where the definition of power comes in to play the “psychological relation” see even though his body was decomposing his mind was still sharp. Kurtz’s voice still boomed when he spoke, he still demanded the respect he thought he deserved. Since Kurtz had terrorized the natives into fearing and respecting him even on his last legs he was still powerful. The psychological game he played with the natives was brilliant, he had them attack boats that carried people who had come to help him. There was nothing the natives would not do for him.
Kurtz does not want to return to civilization but he does not use his power to have Marlow and his crew killed either. Kurtz leaves on the steamboat leaving behind the people who have cared and worshipped him to survive on their own. He loves the feeling of the natives watching from the shores mourning his departure. He asks Marlow not the blow the whistle to frighten the natives so that he can bask in his last hour of power.
What made Kurtz so powerful? Why was he able to manipulate the natives into his puppets? Kurtz was able to do this because he preyed on the insecurities of a what was believed a less intelligent people. Rather than be the “white man” who was an enemy he portrayed himself as a friend. This ability to play psychological games on others was a gift for Kurtz and what helped bring him into power. This same ability is what politicians posses today and inflict upon us in order for us to vote them into power. Guess we are no more intelligent than the natives.
