【正确答案】正确答案：Kurtz is a central character in this book. As a trader of ivory in Africa and commander of a trading post, he monopolizes his position as a demigod among native Africans. He resembles the archetypal "evil genius" : the highly gifted but ultimately degenerate individual whose fall is the stuff of legend. He is significant both for his style and eloquence and for his grandiose, almost megalomaniacal scheming.