. Marlow begins to wonder if the mentality instilled upon him in Europe is similar to the reality he sees in Africa, or if he is surrounded by atypical Europeans who are living in a dream world. As the novel continues, Marlow recognizes that the flaw of not being able to see the true essence of things and thus, not being able to identify things and events, is the European way. There are some names given by the Europeans that simply do not fit the characteristic of the object being named. Marlow points out that the name "Kurtz" means "short" in German. However, after Marlow's first glance at Kurtz, he remarks how Kurtz appears to be "seven feet long" (59). Conrad shows us, through Marlow's observation, how Kurtz's name is a blatant oxymoron. Marlow recognizes yet another obvious misrepresentation. Marlow meets a man called the bricklayer. However, as Marlow himself points out, "[. . .] there wasn't a fragment of a brick anywhere in the station" (27). During his voyage Marlow not only observes misnaming, he realizes the importance of a name. While overhearing a conversation between the manager of the station and his uncle, he hears Mr. Kurtz being referred to as "that man" (34). Although Marlow has not met Kurtz yet, he has heard of his greatness. He now realizes that when these men call him "that man," they strip him of his attributes. These men , by not referring to him by his name, deny Kurtz's accomplishments. This same idea of distorting a person's character by changing his name is displayed elsewhere. The Europeans apply the words "enemy" and "criminal" to the natives. However, they are no threat. The natives are confused and helpless victims being exploited by ignorant and greedy invaders. The injustice done by misrepresenting someone is catas...
