Marlow's Foil

In Heart of Darkness, there are very key similarities between the Russian and Marlow. The two characters are literary foils to one another. The Russian, like Marlow  is a sailor. He has traveled the world seeking experiences and adventures. Just like Marlow, the Russian has traveled into Africa looking for new undertakings. While on the river, the Russian meets Kurtz and is enthralled by him. Marlow describes him as saying, 

"The tone of these words was so extraordinary that I looked at him searchingly. It was curious to see his mingled eagerness and reluctance to speak of Kurtz. The man filled his life, occupied his thoughts, swayed his emotions" (130-131)

The Russian is obsessed with Kurtz and Marlow find this strange. However, this is ironic of Marlow to say. Marlow, just like the Russian, is very attached to Kurtz. Just the thought of losing Kurtz to the natives puts Marlow on edge. Yet, Marlow differs from the Russian in that the Russian is naive. The Russian blindly follows Kurtz, despite the unjust things he may do. Marlow, when he gets to see Kurtz for who he truly is, begins to change his opinion on this once 'great' man.