- “His aspect reminded me of something I had seen - something funny I had seen somewhere. As I maneuvered to get alongside, I was asking myself, ‘What does this fellow look like?’ Suddenly I got it. He looked like a harlequin.” (p. 95)
This passage is describing the Russian trader who comes to meet Marlow and the manager. Marlow appears to recognize the similarities in appearance between the Russian and a harlequin. A harlequin is a fictional character similar to a clown that could appear in a comic book. Harlequins typically dress in very bright, vibrant colors, with either a checkered or patched pattern. The image Conrad illustrates shows bright colors, patch work, and characteristics a clown might possess. The connections Conrad draws between a harlequin and the Russian reveal a lot about his character - someone who appears not to be taken seriously.
(Works Cited)
"Definition of Harlequin."
Google. Web. 25 Aug. 2009. http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS315&q=define%3A+harlequin&aq=f&oq=&aqi=g-s1g-sx4
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(Photo Credit)
Circus Clown Costume. Photograph.
Costume-Shop.com. Web. 13 Sept. 2009. http://www.costume-shop.com/images/products/80002.jpg.
that last line makes this one work -- just a defnition wouldn't be enough -- but you identify Conrad's intent here -- now, is there any signficance to the Russian being crafted in this image? Why have this believer in Kurtz someone "not to be taken seriously"?
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