# Chapter III explained — Heart of Darkness

> Chapter companion for Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad.

## What happens

Marlow pursues Kurtz after his escape into the jungle, confronts him, and persuades him to return to the steamboat. Kurtz is carried back, and during the journey downriver, his health deteriorates rapidly. He dies with the words 'The horror! The horror!' Marlow later returns to Europe and ends his tale.

## Themes in this chapter

### Darkness and the Human Soul

Kurtz's final moments and his cry 'The horror! The horror!' epitomize the confrontation with the darkness within.

### Hypocrisy of Civilization

The contrast between Kurtz's eloquent ideals and his savage actions exposes the hypocrisy of European civilization.

### Greed and Exploitation

The pilgrims' greed for ivory and the manager's satisfaction with the 'affair' highlight the exploitative nature of colonialism.

## Character check-ins

### Marlow

Narrator who pursues and confronts Kurtz, then pilots the steamboat downriver.

### Mr. Kurtz

The dying ivory trader who escapes into the jungle, is brought back, and dies uttering 'The horror! The horror!'

### The Russian

The Russian trader who warns Marlow about the danger and helps with Kurtz's care.

### Jove

Mentioned as 'that pitiful Jupiter' in reference to Kurtz's weapons.

## Key lines

> I did not betray Mr. Kurtz—it was ordered I should never betray him—it was written I should be loyal to the nightmare of my choice.

Marlow feels compelled to remain loyal to Kurtz, despite the horror of the situation.

_Marlow's internal conflict and sense of obligation to Kurtz._

> The horror! The horror!

Kurtz's final words express his utter despair and recognition of the evil he has witnessed and participated in.

_Kurtz's last words, encapsulating the novel's central theme._

> I saw the time approaching when I would be left alone of the party of 'unsound method.'

Marlow realizes he will be the only one left who does not approve of the brutal methods used.

_Marlow's isolation among the other Europeans._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/heart_of_darkness_se/chapters/iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/heart_of_darkness_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/heart_of_darkness_se/chapters