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Comparative Survey, Descriptive Research

  Comparative survey research is a type of descriptive survey where it aims to compare the status of two or more variable, institutions, strategies etc. This technique often uses multiple disciplines in one study.This does not only compare different groups but also same group over time.Few points are to be kept in mind before starting the comparative survey. ·        Comparison Points -The research should be very clear regarding the points to be compared. This can also be identified through review of literature and experience of experts. ·        Assumption of Similarities -  One has to be clear about the similarities the two variable hold. If the researcher do not find this there is no point of comparison. Criteria of Comparison - The researcher has to identify the criteria of comparison keeping in mind the fairness and objectivity. Appropriate tools has to be identified for measurement of criterion variables. Comparative survey research is carried on when the researcher cannot

Character Sketch of MARLOW in Heart of Darkness

Kurtz

Joseph Conrad created his narrator Charles Marlow to establish him as a device that would provide both form and shape for his novels. In the present novel Heart of Darkness he is one of the two narrators. The first one only introduces Marlow to us and goes into the background, thereby, speaks only at long intervals when Marlow stops narration or when he is indulged in some philosophical brooding. It is an established and recorded fact that Heart of Darkness is the record of Conrad’s own visit to Congo. It may therefore, be said that Marlow plays the part in the novel which Conrad played in actual journey. He serves as a mirror through which Conrad examines the savage exploitation of Congo natives and the degradation of Mr. Kurtz. In fact Marlow is another self of Conrad though there are some very vital differences between the two persons.
            
Marlow moralizes in a sense in which Conrad decidedly does not.

In the very opening of the novel, the first narrator describes Marlow as a man,
            Sitting cross-legged right aft, leaning against the mizzenmast. He had sunken cheeks, yellow complexion, a straight back, an ascetic aspect with his arms dropped, the palms of hands outward resembled and idol.

Marlow’s personality is characterized by oriental overtones. Meditation forms an essential part of him. A contemplative man, whose abstraction from the physical world is complete. Both as a philosopher and pragmatist he acts as a moral guide for readers as they are confronted with hypocrisies, contradictions and imperialism. As Marlow unfold his tale, readers are positioned to see him as a thoughtful and caring individual, a perceptive and reliable observer and a man profoundly affected by his encounter with Kurtz. He expresses a philosophical truth; we live as we dream alone. He refers to man’s loneliness in the universe that later on formed the central theme of modern literature.

While Marlow is clearly intelligent, eloquent and a natural philosopher, he can also be described as a psychologist. He has the insight to judge the human minds. Foe e.g. He describes and analyses the character of the Russian with great psychological precision and adoration towards Mr. Kurtz. He also gives convincing portrayals of individuals whom he meets.

Marlow is brave and daring young man. This can be depicted by the nature of his voyage and adventure. He went to the dense Congo forest which was highly uncivilized. He was not aware of how the natives would treat him. Regardless of all these challenges, he accepted to go to this mission. He was also a determined young man. Even after facing, a multitude of setbacks, he was determined to achieve his goal of returning back home with Mr. Kurtz. He was also quite sensitive and humane person as he could have returned back alone but he didn’t.

He can be called as a mediator (middleman) between the two extremes- the light of civilization and the darkness of primitivism, between colonising Europe and exploited Africa. He is through the supreme compromiser, the moderator of the show who yet does not renounce his own views. He is moderate enough to allow the reader to identify with him, yet open-minded enough to identify at least partially with either extreme. Thus, he acts as a guide for the reader.

Marlow is evidently an appreciator of natural scenery. He is an avid nature lover. The vivid description of Congo forest given by him is,
            The edge of a colossal jungle, so dark green as to be almost black, fringed with white sulf, ran straight, like a ruled line, far far away along a blue sea whose glitter was blurred by a creeping mist.

The sight of the city makes him think of a white-sepulchre. This shows Marlow disillusionment with the city life.

Therefore, Marlow is unquestionably a man of action, given to philosophic thinking. He has a thoughtful mind and a tendency to meditate. Also, to brood upon what he observes.





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