Apocalypse Now- Analysis of Colonel Kurtz

Colonel Kurtz is an extremely fascinating character and his actions warrant a thoughtful analysis. After being dissatisfied with the horrors of war, Kurtz decides to completely turn his back on morality. He acts as a God and exercises complete control over a village in Cambodia. Kurtz resorts to using barbaric techniques in order to maintain his power. He essentially gives in and embraces the brutal disorder of nature. It becomes clear that he wants to die and he wants Captain Willard to do the deed, however he wants to bestow knowledge upon Willard before he passes away. He wants to expose Willard to the savagery of war and hopes that he too will denounce it. The last words that Kurtz utters are "The horror... the horror." Kurtz has seen horrible things in his life and to for him, death is the escape from the horrors of this earth.