Heart of Darkness

Why?

***PART TWO***

Toward the end of this chapter, we meet the intruder. He is a young Russian, and Marlow describes him as a “harlequin.” (Pg. 51) Why?

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A Harlequin is a conventional buffoon of the commedia dell'arte, traditionally presented in a mask and parti-colored tights. The harlequin in HOD is a Russian man who helps Kurtz and is considered his "disciple." He dresses in colorful patched clothing which of course earns him the name Harlequin. Like Kurtz, he is an outcast.