Overhearing the Manager´s Uncle speak of leadership, and specifically of "standing the climate"(58), Marlow realizes Kurtz´s ingredient. As stated in Part One, Kurtz´s ability to immunize himself from any disease in Africa makes him an idol-figure. It is not the natives´ military power that determines the fate of the Europeans, it is mother nature. Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond tells the story of the many conquering expeditions that Europe has been involve in: from Sub-Saharan Africa to South America. The most interesting is Mexico´s story. In short; the Spanish Armada lead by Hernan Cortes had not to fire their weapons, all they had to do was interact. One by one the Aztec population started to fall of disease. Such ¨superhuman¨ features made the Conquistadors resemble gods to the Aztec people: domination.
A similar story starts to unravel in the beginning of Part Two. The only thing that needs to happen for a leader to rise and conquer is surviving interaction. Interaction with the natives, and the "patient wilderness" as Marlow states it. The problem is that unlike Guns, Germs, and Steel, Marlow´s expedition is not intended on evangelizing natives or direct interaction, Marlow´s plan is to take mother nature´s sons away. They are only after the "ivory-that can be smelt in the air..."
It seems as though this expedition isn't human versus human, but a battle between Man and Superman. Will Marlow conquer mother nature or fall ill like Mr. Kurtz, at the height of his power?
I believe that in the end Kurtz prevailed no matter how dead he was. As you said, he successfully immunized himself and became an idol. The extent of Kurtz's achievements are way bigger than one expected when Marlow found him. His presence is felt in the Nellie as Marlow and his crew take on towards "the heart of an immense darkness" since we realize that wherever the Thames is taking them may be as dark as the Congo river: full of "savages".
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