Comparison of Apocalypse Now and Heart of Darkness

Apocalypse Now and Heart of Darkness share parallel characters, ideas and dialogues, but most important is the distinct similarity between central themes. Each deals with the primitive, animalistic qualities stifled within the modern, refined man which will emerge indefinitely in the absence of civilization. The Kurtz?s from each work abandon society and become engrossed in the primitive ways of the jungle, rediscovering their basest human instincts. On a superficial level, one could compare the …

…and act with graciousness and poise, but no matter how hard we try, we are all beasts inside. Heart of Darkness and Apocalypse Now both demonstrate this point, and the main character in each develops a greater understanding of the nature of man. You come to see that Heart of Darkness and Apocalypse Now are actually one and the same. They are the same story, retold in different settings. Each teaches a valuable lesson, tolerance.