Final answer:
Marlow, as the protagonist and narrator in 'Heart of Darkness', advances the plot through his journey into the African interior, exposing the hypocrisies of colonialism and touching on themes of moral ambiguity and introspection, with his experiences inviting analysis from postcolonial perspectives.
Step-by-step explanation:
The character Marlow in Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness advances the plot by serving as both the protagonist and the narrator of the novella. His journey up the Congo River is the central narrative arc that propels the story forward. Through his observations and interactions, Marlow reveals insights into the effects of colonialism, the nature of civilization, and the psychological darkness within humanity.
As Marlow ventures deeper into the African continent, his encounters with the European traders, who display 'tainted' souls in contrast to his seemingly 'pure' soul, and his ultimate confrontation with the enigmatic Mr. Kurtz, highlight the themes of hypocrisy, moral ambiguity, and the critique of European imperialism. These encounters and his introspection drive the story to its climactic meeting with Kurtz.
Marlow's experiences and reflections contribute to the novella's critique of Belgian colonialism, the Congo Free State's exploitation, and the broader implications of racism and Eurocentrism. Notably, Chinua Achebe's criticism of the novella underscores how Conrad's portrayal of African characters often reinforces stereotypes, depicting Africa as 'the other world' and limiting the humanity of its people. This critical perspective on Marlow's narrative role has generated discussion and analysis regarding postcolonialist criticism and the portrayal of European and African characters.