Blog Question #5:

In Chapter 31, on page 1542, the editors discuss "Archetypal (or myth) Criticism" which includes 'the quest.'  Literary criticism by itself is pretty dry and incomplete, but in reading a story, poem, or play it miraculously leads the reader into that story, poem, or play.  For instance, in Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness," until one recognizes Kurst, not Marlowe as the character with the quest.  Of course, Marlowe is on a physical quest for the superstar agent, Kurst, travelling into the deep jungle.  He succeeds and finds Kurst.  But it is Kurst who has and is travelling his own quest for power.  Unfortunately, for him, he goes mad and finally dies after FAILING in his quest.  His words, "the horror, the horror" tell us why he has failed.  His quest is the notable one.  His "heart of darkness" is corrupted and destroyed by the Congo's "heart of darkness."