Dark Justice

Marlow, at the end of the Heart of Darkness, concludes how he started: the "idea" "is not a pretty thing when you look into it too much" p.69. That is why he didn't tell Kurtz's love what his last words were, and instead, lied, creating a more romantic and beautiful image of his last moment. He didn't want her to know how awful and terrible the end was. He "could not tell her. It would have been too dark- too dark altogether" p. 157. Even though all Kurtz wanted was for "justice" p. 157, Marlow could not even grant him that.

So, what does this all mean? Kurtz is the "idea" Marlow had been speaking of. The idea to conquor the earth. His love is the rest of the world, "the commonplace individulas going about their business in the assurance of perfect safety" p.150. They know nothing of the outside world, and therefore look to the survivors of such excursions as Marlow's, to bring back the information of what is happening. But, it is not their fault they don't know the truth. It is the liar's fault - Marlow's - or the adventurers in general. He could have reported the truth, "dark" as it was. But, instead, he kept it to himself, and spared the world's feelings. And his return marked no step closer to justice, dark as it was.