Final answer:
Kurtz in 'Heart of Darkness' serves as a focus or catalyst for the plot and other characters, is a central topic of the novel, and plays a complex role that influences the designation of the main character. His role can be interpreted by examining characters, plot, setting, and point of view within the novel.
Step-by-step explanation:
We can consider Kurtz from Joseph Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness' in various roles within the novel. Firstly, as the focus or catalyst of the novel, Kurtz is the character around whom the other characters' reactions and the events of the novel revolve, which often signals the protagonist in a traditional literary analysis. However, whether Kurtz is the subject of the novel is debatable; he certainly is a central topic, but the novel explores themes beyond just his character. Finally, regarding whether he is the main character, this title typically belongs to the character with the most significant influence on the plot's progression and the one who experiences a profound transformation or challenge, often the protagonist. In the case of 'Heart of Darkness', this role is more complexly assigned, as much of the novel's plot and thematic exploration revolve around Kurtz, but he does not appear until later in the story and does not have the most 'screen time'.
In examining literature, it is essential to consider characters, plot, setting, and point of view. Each aspect helps determine the role of a character like Kurtz within the novel. Kurtz's role as either a catalyst, subject, or main character is enriched by analyzing these elements and how they interact within the narrative structure of 'Heart of Darkness'.