Arguably one of the most significant characters in Heart of Darkness, it is through Marlow’s distinctive voice that the majority of the story is told. As the unnamed narrator aboard The Nellie somewhat wryly informs us at the beginning of the novella, Marlow has always been fond of a “yarn” – though his stories tend to lack the simplicity of those favoured by most seamen. Indeed, that Marlow is described resembling a “Buddha” as he begins his tale would identify the character as a figure of enlightenment – though the unnamed narrator pointedly notes that Marlow is “without a lotus flower” (a signifier of spiritual meaning and knowledge), suggesting that the true significance of Marlow’s enigmatic story is not immediately clear.
