Charlie Marlow can be considered a morally ambiguous character insofar as he understands the difference between moral and immoral behavior but does not necessarily take a moral stand when one is warranted. He understands that when he is dispatched to Africa to put a stop to Kurtz's megalomania, it is because the Company wants their ivory, not because Kurtz's behavior in ways unrelated to commerce is a problem. Marlow confesses in the first chapter that "the conquest of the earth" is redeemed by "the idea only." He recognizes that the conquest consists of "taking it away from those who have a different complexion or slightly flatter noses than ourselves." Marlow's slow pursuit of and eventual meeting with Kurtz reveals his understanding that what Europe has been doing to Africa and Africans in the colonial period only appears to help Africa by bringing technology, when in fact what it is doing is deleterious to the continent and its native people. However, Marlow does not act decisively in trying to right any moral wrongs. He merely observes and does the Company's bidding, and he is in that way complicit in the exploitation.
It is challenging to think of Kurtz as a morally ambiguous character. His writing "exterminate all the brutes!" and the symbolic painting he makes suggest that he considers himself and European culture superior to the people of Africa; he appears to understand fully that, instead of bringing civilization and enlightenment to Africa, Europe is plundering it. He is a willing participant in this system, and when he goes rogue, it is only to set himself up as a god to be worshipped. In this way, he is a living, solitary symbol of Europe's rapaciousness and, ironically, feels no sense of obligation to the continent that created him.
Overall, the novel is a strong indictment of colonialism as well as man's embrace of inhumanity, and Conrad brings specificity to his argument by creating Kurtz as a charismatic character that Marlow has a hard time fully condemning.
Marlow's story is meant to shed light on imperialism and the true nature of what Europeans refer to as civilization. Marlow begins his story by mentioning that Europe was at one time a dark, primitive place and challenges conceptions that Europeans are morally and intellectually superior by saying, "strength is just an accident arising from the weakness of others" (1.12). This ambiguity between civilization and savagery is also reflected in the characters of Marlow and Kurtz. Both men hail from relatively wealthy families, are obsessive individuals, lose touch with reality, and are attracted to the primitive nature of the Africans. While Marlow is portrayed as a relatively positive, civilized character, a close examination reveals inconsistencies in his behavior and beliefs. Marlow has a negative perception of women, does not openly oppose the Company's brutal treatment of slaves, lies to Kurtz's Intended, and mentions several times that he wishes to experience life as a Native. During his discussion with the manager, Marlow mentions that he is "getting savage," an intriguing and enigmatic statement. He also wonders why he does not "go ashore for a howl and a dance" when he listens to the natives' ritual. His love/hate relationship with Kurtz is also ambiguous and makes the reader question his true feelings about Kurtz. Similar to Marlow, Kurtz is also a morally ambiguous character. Initially, Kurtz is depicted as a talented, articulate ivory trader, who is admired for his success throughout the Company. Kurtz began his journey into the heart of darkness with the intention of bringing civilization to the natives while simultaneously becoming wealthy in the ivory industry. However, Kurtz descends into savagery after discovering that the natives perceive him as a god. Kurtz becomes corrupted by his supreme power and influence over the natives and essentially transforms into a greedy, maniacal tyrant. Despite Kurtz's depravity, Marlow interprets his last words as recognition for his crimes. Marlow ends up sympathizing with Kurtz, which again presents his ambiguous feelings.
Overall, both characters' moral ambiguity mimics Conrad's argument concerning civilization and savagery. While Europe is depicted as being the epitome of civilization, the Company's inefficient, destructive nature reveals its true makeup. Likewise, both Marlow and Kurtz's complexity demonstrates their propensity to act civil and savage at various times. Marlow's perception of Kurtz also clouds the reader's portrayal of the enigmatic figure and creates a dichotomy between his positive and negative traits. Similar to how the reader interprets Marlow and Kurtz's character, Conrad's story challenges the reader's perception of civilization, imperialism, and nature.
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