Captain Marlow and Gilgamesh: Comparison and Contrast of Leadership The character of Captain Marlow is the central character in the novel Heart of Darkness, while Gilgamesh is the character from one of the earliest known pieces of human literature, the poem Epic of Gilgamesh. Both characters are heroes in their respective texts. The paper discussed the differences and similarities in the characters of Gilgamesh and Marlow. Even though both characters were depicted as leaders, there is stark contrast in their leadership style. Marlow deserved leadership much more than Gilgamesh because Marlow utilized power justly while Gilgamesh used his powers indiscriminately. .
The characters of Captain Marlow and Gilgamesh undertake their journeys with an important objective. The novel of Marlow and poem of Gilgamesh, both depict a journey from adolescence to adulthood. The transition of the characters is based on the challenges they face. There is another key similarity in the two characters; Both Gilgamesh and Marlow seek companionship quite eagerly, “Gilgamesh went to the entrance into the mountain and entered the darkness alone, without a companion”. Both Gilgamesh and Marlow possess leadership traits; however, their leadership styles are different reflecting the key ideals of their respective times.
Foremost is the difference in the manner in which each one these characters assumes leadership powers. Gilgamesh receives power without putting his own effort into it, and consequently acts as a spoiled child. Gilgamesh is rather proud of his leadership endowment and tends to indulge in promiscuity and injustice, “It is Gilgamesh who will venture into the Forest and cut down the Cedar down and win the glory. My fame will be secure to all my sons”. It is not uncommon for Gilgamesh to use violence on his subjects. The obedience of Gilgamesh’s subject is more due to power