paragraph 2

Conrad introduces Marlow in the first few pages as a man resembling the Buddha. “lifting one arm from the elbow, the palm of the hand outwards, so that, with his legs folded before him, he had the pose of a Buddha preaching in European clothes and without a lotus-flower” This imagery connotes the purity and morality within Marlow when he first embarks on this adventure. His life is driven by his supper ego -- the external regulations and customs. He has a sound moral compass and presents himself as a man of curiosity and righteousness.  He honors all that is true and honest and claims to be a man of no lies; similar to the religious figure ( The Buddha to whom he is first compared). However, as he journeys deeper into the Congo his moral standards begin to diminish. He becomes a man who is driven by his id. His sarcasm becomes cynical and his nature becomes primitive.