On the surface, two novels such as Heart of Darkness and She probably seem radically different. They are both adventure stories, but their plots are extremely contrasting. While Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness creates a somewhat dark and disturbing setting in order to tell the story of the human psyche in the face of danger, it may seem that H. Rider Haggard's She is a complete contrast. Haggard uses elements of the supernatural, creating an exciting and fast-paced narrative, while Conrad's story moves slowly and deliberately. After delving deeper into each of these novels, it becomes clear that they have more in common than one might have initially thought, namely their main characters. The similarities between these two characters far outweigh the thematic differences between the two novels. The characters Ayesha and Kurtz both fully immersed themselves in African culture, gaining love, respect, and even fear of the natives over time. Despite their different storylines, Ayesha and Kurtz have many similarities in terms of personality, philosophy, and how they treat those around them. Both Conrad and Haggard use these details in an attempt to convey to their European audiences the extreme differences between the two cultures. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay The differences between these novels lie mainly in the themes and plots. Although both are adventure tales centered on characters venturing into the heart of Africa, the thematic differences are vast. Heart of Darkness focuses heavily on the psychology of the main characters, showing the very dark side of Marlowe's adventure. It appears to be a slightly lighter and less psychological tale. Although it eventually takes on a darker tone, it never feels as dark as Conrad's story. Without the characters of Kurtz and Ayesha, it would be difficult to find similarities other than the setting. Both Kurtz and Ayesha are mysteries to the audience at the beginning of each of the novels. Kurtz, we learn, is an ambitious ivory agent stationed in Africa. Ayesha, also known as She, is a mysterious and supernatural figure hidden in the heart of Africa. In Heart of Darkness, the only clues given to Marlowe are when he is told of Kurtz's importance: "'He is a prodigy... He is an emissary of pity and science and progress, and devil knows what 'other'” (Conrad 83). The only information Marlowe can gather about Kurtz is that he is immensely successful in harvesting ivy and is greatly admired by many people within the company. While Marlowe is perplexed by Kurtz's limited knowledge, in She, Holly and Leo learn a lot about Ayesha from Leo's father's letters. They learn that Ayesha is “the mighty queen of a savage people, a white woman of peculiar beauty…” (Haggard 19). Both characters remain enigmas until the middle of their respective novels, when the narrators finally meet them. Additionally, both Kurtz and Ayesha have immersed themselves in the culture of the Africans among whom they live. They both earned the devotion, love and fear of the natives. Kurtz had the power to inspire total devotion in those around him: “His influence was extraordinary. The camps of these people surrounded the place, and the chiefs came every day to see him” (Conrad 128). The natives seem impressed by Kurtz. Not only do they admire him, but they also respect and listen to him, even though he is from Europe. He hasused his charm and power to influence them: “He had the power to charm or frighten rudimentary souls into an aggravated witch's dance in his honor…” (Conrad 118). Ayesha had a similar effect on her people. She became the leader of the natives in her part of Africa and is greatly respected and feared: "She was obeyed throughout the length and breadth of the country, and to question her leadership was certain death." She had a guard, but had no regular army, and to disobey her was to die” (Haggard 86). Ayesha also gained the respect of the people, but her greatest achievement was that she became their queen. Both Kurtz and Ayesha have very selfish personalities. Both seem to love the power they have over these people and seem to revel in it. It is clear that even though none of them respect or show kindness to the natives, they still expect to receive respect and kindness in return. Both Kurtz and Ayesha lived somewhat solitary lives in Africa, and as a result, they each developed their own lives. set of beliefs and philosophies that are very similar. Kurtz, while in Africa, became obsessed with ivory and the power that came with it: "I heard him say 'my destiny, my ivory, my station, my river, my - it all belonged to him » (Conrad 115). Kurtz became so obsessed with his position that he would do anything to maintain his power, even going so far as to deceive the natives, as he describes in his report: "He began by saying that we white people...must necessarily appearing to them [the savages] in the nature of supernatural beings – we approach them with the power of a divinity” (Conrad 117). Kurtz cares about nothing other than acquiring the most ivory and the money that goes with it. Ayesha is like-minded in that she also believes that no one should stand in the way of what she wants. The only difference is that what Ayesha wants is not an object, but a real person. When Holly tries to convince Ayesha to spare Ustane's life, she states, "Her sin is that she stands between me and my desire" (Haggard 182). Later, when Ayesha explains her philosophy in detail, she asks Holly, "Is it then a crime, O foolish man, to set aside that which stands between us and our ends?" (Haggard 182). Ayesha doesn't hesitate to end other people's lives to get what she wants. This just shows that she has no respect for anyone but herself. Kurtz and Ayesha firmly believe that their wants and needs exceed those of anyone else, especially those of indigenous Africans. The treatment of indigenous Africans is very problematic in both Heart of Darkness and She. Kurtz and Ayesha view the natives as servants whom they can command and who can carry out their orders. They are both cruel and merciless in their punishments. Kurtz feels no respect or kindness towards the natives. Marlowe realizes this when he makes a disturbing discovery: “These round buttons were not ornamental but symbolic; they were expressive and confusing, striking and disturbing” (Conrad 127). What Marlowe initially thought was some sort of ornament turned out to actually be heads on stakes, placed there by Kurtz himself. Rather than earning Marlowe's respect for this cruel act, Marlowe believes, "It only showed that Kurtz lacked restraint in satisfying his various desires" (Conrad 128). Ayesha also shows a lack of restraint when it comes to her anger: "Her voice was raised in anger...I saw poor Billali...a very fearless person, shudder in fear at her words" ( Haggard 133). This shows that Ayesha has the power.