Women are objects of beauty. They demonstrate elegance, poise and control; control over their bodies and the men who idolize them. Women like Cleopatra have been able to hypnotize men, manipulate them. Society is represented by women and their sexuality: a shattering force. Like this Egyptian pharaoh, Kurt'z mistress demonstrates the supremacy of his wealth. She represents him and all his achievements. Women create social bonds. They establish friendships and rivalries. They decide who dies and who lives. Helen of Troy, another overpowering force, started a war, ended love and a nation's peace. Now, what will Kurt'z mistress do? How will she influence him? What kind of changes will she unravel throughout the story?
Kurt'z mistress "had the value of several elephant tusks upon her. She was savage and superb, wild-eyed and magnificent....113" This woman is described as a G-dess. She resembles an idol, who cannot be touched but only praised. This woman is to be respected despite her heritage. Why is she an exception to the racist culture? The fact that she is Kurt'z woman changes the whole situation.
Kurtz: a figure of succes, wealth and liberty. He is a man who thinks and acts as he pleases. He is his own leader. This effectively convinces men he is to be admired, that his way is one that implicates instant prosperity. However, this whole reputation is reflected upon his woman.
This "African Queen," although decorated in "brass leggings...necklaces of glass beads...bizarre things....113" is only a temporary embodiment of Kurt'z social statue. Later on he will be economically crushed (ivory business fails) and his beautiful African will be return to be a savage as well.
Women are the face of men. Women are society. In a way a woman's reputation lies in a man's. How are women able to intervine with a man's essence? Women's power over men, thus the world is both intricate and decidedly mystical.
I found it really interesting that you made your blog on women. Throughout the novel, Marlow had been keeping them far from his adventures. "Did I mention a girl? Oh, she is out of of it- completely... We must help then to stay in that beautiful world of their own, lest ours get worse" (pg. 88) However, when he started talking about Kurtz's mistress he had no restraint. I believe this adds to the importance she already has. Before reading your blog I knew she was very importance but the way you portrayed her made her look even more important. Reading your comparisons to Helen of Troy and Cleopatra I also started thinking about Lady Macbeth and Nurse Ratched. All these women, like you said, have more power and importance than the man in front of them. They are the weak spot of men, becoming a temptation, but also the ones that give them courage.
ReplyDelete