e Congo, including the listeners on the Nellie, who growls at Marlow, “Try to be civil, Marlow (Pg. 245).” Still, in their navet, they find it hard to believe that such a reality exists; the notion of it is incomprehensible. One character still remains ambiguous on the scale: Marlow. Where does he stand? Does Marlow resent the way Europeans live and is he willing to live the same life as Kurtz? Conrad never makes a clear assertion answering this question, however there is evidence leading to both extremes. Aboard the Nellie, he tells his mates that “I hate, detest, and can’t bear a lie, not because I am straighter than the rest of us, but simply because it appalls me. There is a taint of death, a flavor of mortality in lies – which is exactly what I hate and detest in the world (Pg. 237).” Towards the end of the novel, Kurtz’ fianc asks Marlow what Kurtz’ last words were, he responds, “The last word he pronounced – was your name (Pg. 297).” Although detesting lies, he proceeds to tell one to the Intended based on his own good judgment. Marlow’s stance remains a mystery....
