Intro

In Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, Kertz, an ivory trader’s,  personality illuminates Sigmound Freud’s analysis of human flaws and causes Charles Marlow, an ivory transporter, to subconsciously reevaluate himself. Freud believes that there are three parts of the human psychic, the id, the ego and the super-ego. Kertz’ unattractive characteristics are rooted in the id. The id is the only personality trait present from birth. Usually, since it is also the center of uncoordinated and impulsive thoughts, most humans mature from the id and think with their ego and or super-ego which would allow them to make rational and beneficial decisions. Unfortunately, through out the novella it becomes more and more apparent that Kertz has not yet developed his thoughts through his ego or super-ego. His impulsive actions lead to Marlow subconsciously trying to better himself. Kertz is aware that some of the irrational decisions he makes harms the people around him, yet he continues to take them. Throughout the novella, as Kertz and Marlow journey on the Congo River, Freud’s belief in the id is illuminated through Kertz’s selfish actions.