This summary provides an overview of the key events and characters in Joseph Conrad's novella Heart of Darkness:
1) The story is framed as a narrative told by Marlow to other men aboard a boat on the Thames in London. Marlow recounts his experience traveling into the Congo to meet Kurtz, an agent for a trading company.
2) Marlow describes the challenging journey through the jungle, the depraved actions he witnesses from other white men, and the inhumane treatment of native people by the company.
3) Upon reaching Kurtz's inner station, Marlow discovers that Kurtz has achieved immense success but has also given in to his darker impulses, fratern
This document provides an overview of the major themes in Joseph Conrad's novella Heart of Darkness, as analyzed in a student presentation. It defines what a theme is and discusses 12 themes found in the novella, including racism, deception, uncertainty, religion, darkness, sanity and insanity, alienation, violence and cruelty, duty and responsibility, illness, and the absurdity of evil. An introduction provides background on Conrad and the novella's focus on the dark side of human nature reflected in the main character Kurtz.
The Narrator describes a night spent on a ship in the mouth of the Thames River in England. Marlow, one of the men on board, tells of his time spent as a riverboat pilot in the Belgian Congo.
Imagery in ts eliot's the love song of j. alfred prufrockkanchanshilpi12
This document provides biographical information about T.S. Eliot and analyzes his poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock". It notes that Eliot was an American poet who lived in London and was influenced by Ezra Pound. The poem depicts Prufrock as an aging, insecure man paralyzed by indecision. Through imagery and Prufrock's constant introspection, the poem explores themes of mortality, the passage of time, and the fragility of human life. In the end, Prufrock remains unable to take meaningful action and hears "mermaids singing each to each" but is "drowned" back into his empty reality by "human voices".
This document provides context about Joseph Conrad's novella Heart of Darkness. It includes a summary of Conrad's life experiences, including his time working in the Belgian Congo which inspired the novella. It also provides historical context about King Leopold II's exploitation of the Congo Free State in the late 19th century. This led to atrocities against the local population and an international campaign against Leopold's rule. The document examines the narrative style of Heart of Darkness, including its frame narrative structure and use of light and dark motifs. It also discusses the novella's circular structure and Conrad's technique of distancing himself as the author through the frame narrator.
A very useful presentation for the students and faculty as well.
Since its publication, Heart of Darkness has fascinated readers and critics, almost all of whom regard the novel as significant because of its use of ambiguity and (in Conrad's own words) "foggishness" to dramatize Marlow's perceptions of the horrors he encounters.
The presentation is not a mere creation of the author but it is based on various sources and purely designed to assist students in their examination. Quality of this presentation cannot be compared with the original text and genuine criticism of the literature. Students are advised to prefer the original texts for better results.
Charlie Marlow tells a story to friends aboard a boat on the Thames River about his journey up the Congo River into the Congo Free State in Africa. He takes a job with a Belgian trading company to captain a riverboat and search for Kurtz, a renowned ivory trader. As Marlow travels further inland, he witnesses increasing brutality and cruelty towards the native population. At Kurtz's inner station, Marlow finds that Kurtz has set himself up as a god to the natives through violence and intimidation. Kurtz dies as they travel back down the river, uttering his last words "The horror! The horror!"
D. H. Lawrence has displayed a bold originality of his genius and his consummate artistic finesse in Sons and Lovers. With his pioneering artistry, he deviated from the traditional patter of fiction and tried to break fresh grounds.
This document provides an overview of the major themes in Joseph Conrad's novella Heart of Darkness, as analyzed in a student presentation. It defines what a theme is and discusses 12 themes found in the novella, including racism, deception, uncertainty, religion, darkness, sanity and insanity, alienation, violence and cruelty, duty and responsibility, illness, and the absurdity of evil. An introduction provides background on Conrad and the novella's focus on the dark side of human nature reflected in the main character Kurtz.
The Narrator describes a night spent on a ship in the mouth of the Thames River in England. Marlow, one of the men on board, tells of his time spent as a riverboat pilot in the Belgian Congo.
Imagery in ts eliot's the love song of j. alfred prufrockkanchanshilpi12
This document provides biographical information about T.S. Eliot and analyzes his poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock". It notes that Eliot was an American poet who lived in London and was influenced by Ezra Pound. The poem depicts Prufrock as an aging, insecure man paralyzed by indecision. Through imagery and Prufrock's constant introspection, the poem explores themes of mortality, the passage of time, and the fragility of human life. In the end, Prufrock remains unable to take meaningful action and hears "mermaids singing each to each" but is "drowned" back into his empty reality by "human voices".
This document provides context about Joseph Conrad's novella Heart of Darkness. It includes a summary of Conrad's life experiences, including his time working in the Belgian Congo which inspired the novella. It also provides historical context about King Leopold II's exploitation of the Congo Free State in the late 19th century. This led to atrocities against the local population and an international campaign against Leopold's rule. The document examines the narrative style of Heart of Darkness, including its frame narrative structure and use of light and dark motifs. It also discusses the novella's circular structure and Conrad's technique of distancing himself as the author through the frame narrator.
A very useful presentation for the students and faculty as well.
Since its publication, Heart of Darkness has fascinated readers and critics, almost all of whom regard the novel as significant because of its use of ambiguity and (in Conrad's own words) "foggishness" to dramatize Marlow's perceptions of the horrors he encounters.
The presentation is not a mere creation of the author but it is based on various sources and purely designed to assist students in their examination. Quality of this presentation cannot be compared with the original text and genuine criticism of the literature. Students are advised to prefer the original texts for better results.
Charlie Marlow tells a story to friends aboard a boat on the Thames River about his journey up the Congo River into the Congo Free State in Africa. He takes a job with a Belgian trading company to captain a riverboat and search for Kurtz, a renowned ivory trader. As Marlow travels further inland, he witnesses increasing brutality and cruelty towards the native population. At Kurtz's inner station, Marlow finds that Kurtz has set himself up as a god to the natives through violence and intimidation. Kurtz dies as they travel back down the river, uttering his last words "The horror! The horror!"
D. H. Lawrence has displayed a bold originality of his genius and his consummate artistic finesse in Sons and Lovers. With his pioneering artistry, he deviated from the traditional patter of fiction and tried to break fresh grounds.
Passage to india major characters and themesdoaa2015
1. A Passage to India is a 1924 novel by E.M. Forster set during the British colonial period in India. It examines the conflict and tensions between British colonists and Indians.
2. The main characters are Dr. Aziz, an Indian physician; Mrs. Moore, a British woman visiting India; Miss Adela Quested, a young British woman; and Cyril Fielding, a British schoolmaster who befriends Aziz.
3. Adela accuses Aziz of assaulting her in the Marabar Caves, inflaming racial tensions and exposing the prejudices between Indians and their British rulers. Aziz's trial becomes a symbol of these divisions in colonial India.
Imperialism and Joseph Conrad's Heart of DarknessSvetlanna Thomas
This document summarizes imperialism and racism in Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness. It provides context on imperialism as stronger nations taking over weaker ones. It then gives three examples of racism from the novel: Europeans seeing themselves as superior to Africans, Kurtz's native mistress being described as "savage," and a black man being called a racial slur. The document also provides two examples of imperialism, with the Company exploiting native land and people for ivory, and Kurtz prioritizing ivory over his supposed civilizing mission. In conclusion, it states the novel depicts many instances of both racism and imperialism from European powers in Africa.
Volpone pretends to be on his deathbed in order to dupe three men - Voltore, Corbaccio, and Corvino - who each believe they will inherit his fortune. His servant Mosca encourages this deception. Mosca also convinces Corbaccio to disinherit his son Bonario in favor of Volpone. When the scheme is uncovered in court, Volpone, Mosca, and the other dupes receive punishment.
This document presents an analysis of Alexander Pope's poem "The Rape of the Lock" as a mock epic. It defines epic and mock epic poetry, compares their characteristics, and identifies 12 ways in which Pope's poem follows epic conventions through trivial or mundane themes, such as focusing on a card game instead of a battle. The analysis concludes that Pope skillfully uses the mock-heroic form to highlight the triviality of small matters by contrasting them with the grandeur of epics, making "The Rape of the Lock" a successful example of a mock epic.
The novel "Our Sister Killjoy" by Ama Ata Aidoo is divided into four sections. It follows Sissie, a young Ghanaian woman, as she travels to Germany and London. In Germany, she observes how her fellow African expatriates have abandoned their culture and identity. In London, she sees how many Africans live in poor conditions under colonial rule. Throughout her travels, Sissie challenges the stereotypes and colonial mindsets she encounters. In the final section, Sissie writes a confrontational love letter critiquing African expatriates who refuse to return home and help build their nation.
The Rape of the Lock was written by Pope to chide gently the Fermor family when Lord Petre cut off a lock of Arabella Fermor’s hair on a certain fateful day and such dire consequences followed. Pope started something that culminated into a piece of literature that has remained to this day a leading example of the mock epic satire.
Gulliver's Travels follows Lemuel Gulliver, a surgeon from England, as he embarks on four voyages, each beginning with a shipwreck that lands him in fantastical lands. In the first two voyages, he is marooned among populations of either tiny people or giants. The third finds him rescued by a floating island of irrational mathematicians. The fourth exposes the brutish nature of humans as contrasted with the rational horses who govern their land. Through these journeys, Swift satirizes 18th century politics, human nature, and societal norms.
Heart of Darkness examples of Racism and Imperialism rlye123
This document summarizes 5 examples of racism and imperialism from the novel "Heart of Darkness" in 3-sentence passages. The examples describe the native people in inhuman and inferior terms, such as comparing them to animals or saying their language sounds non-human. One passage discusses how Europeans saw themselves as supernatural beings to the natives. The last summary states that while the ideas behind imperialism may sound appealing, the actual practice of conquering other lands involves taking them from people with different skin or noses.
The play 'Arms and the Man' begins in the bedroom of Raina Petkoff in a Bulgarian town in 1885.it was the time of Serbo-Bulgarian War. As the play opens, Catherine Petkoff and her daughter, Raina, have just heard that the Bulgarians have scored a tremendous victory in a cavalry charge led by Raina's fiancé, Major Sergius Saranoff, who is in the same regiment as Raina's father, Major Paul Petkoff. Raina is so impressed with the noble deeds of her fiancé that she fears that she might never be able to live up to his nobility..-----------
Deed analysis of the novella's quest for absolute truth, knowledge and reality.
Analysis of of the construction of binaries and construction of the other.
The Pilgrim's Progress tells the story of Christian's journey from his home to the Celestial City as an allegory. In the story, Christian and his companion Faithful encounter Vanity Fair, a town representing the sinful world. Vanity Fair is depicted as a bustling marketplace selling all manner of worldly goods and vices. Christian and Faithful stand out from the crowd due to their plain clothing and disinterest in the wares for sale. Their behavior arouses hostility from residents of Vanity Fair, leading to Faithful being put on trial and condemned as a heretic. The allegory uses Vanity Fair to represent the difficulty pilgrims face distinguishing themselves from worldly attractions on their journey to salvation.
George Eliot's 1860 novel The Mill on the Floss follows siblings Tom and Maggie Tulliver and their family. Mr. Tulliver owns the Dorlcote Mill but loses it after a lawsuit brought by Mr. Wakem. This causes financial and emotional strain on the family. Maggie and Tom grow apart as Tom resents Maggie's intellectual curiosity. Maggie falls for both Philip Wakem and Stephen Guest, but her love for them is rejected by society and contributes to her tragic fate when she and Tom die together in a flood while trying to save each other. The novel examines themes of love, sympathy, and the influence of society on individuals.
:-“Mac Flecknoe; or, A satyr upon the True-Blew-Protestant Poet, T.S.” was a lampoon by John Dryden against the poet laureate Thomas Shadwell who superseded him in 1669.
Mac means ‘son of’. So, MacFlecknoe means ‘Son of Flecknoe’, while the word ‘True-Blew’ means an extreme ‘Whig Blue’ which was the colour of the Tories.
Richard Flecknoe (c. 1600 – 1678) was an English dramatist and poet. His works were praised by some critics and derided by others. Why John Dryden used his name to ridicule and satirize Thomas Shadwell, his contemporary and one time friend who later became an enemy, is not clear. Flecknoe was a minor poet having religious inclinations and most of his writings were private writings. So, Dryden calling him ‘the monarch of absolute nonsense’ was similar to Iago’s ‘motive hunting of a motiveless malignity’. Thomas Shadwell was called the ‘son and successor’ of Flecknoe’.
The document provides biographical information about T.S. Eliot and contextualizes his modernist poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock". It notes that Eliot was an American-English poet born in Missouri who lived much of his life in London. The poem is considered one of the most influential works of the 20th century. Modernism emerged in response to World War I and Victorian ideals, featuring experimental styles and questioning social norms. "The Love Song" examines the emptiness of the social world through Prufrock's self-analysis and is a prime example of modernist poetry through its fragmented form and themes.
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad is a novella published in 1902 that follows a journey into the Congo by the character Marlow. The main themes are the different forms of darkness found in the Congo, including the abuse of native people by colonialists. Marlow's journey is a spiritual voyage of self-discovery as he encounters darkness in himself and others, represented by the character Kurtz who fully embraces the wilderness. By the end of the journey, Marlow has faced his own inner darkness and returns home a changed man with deeper self-knowledge.
Matthew Arnold was a 19th century English poet and critic. In his famous work "The Study of Poetry", Arnold argues that poetry has a higher purpose to interpret life, provide consolation, and sustain humanity as science and philosophy prove unstable. He believes poetry will increasingly be turned to for its spiritual and intellectual benefits. Arnold advocates for a high standard and strict judgment of poetry, assessing it based on the seriousness of its subject matter and excellence of style. He promotes looking to classical poets like Homer and Milton as the best models of poetry's "grand style".
Thomas Carlyle was a 19th century Scottish writer known for criticizing the materialism of the Victorian era. He feared that industrialization and laissez-faire economic policies would destroy individuality. While sympathetic to the plight of the working class, he believed they lacked leadership and advocated a return to paternalistic systems like feudalism. Carlyle felt industrial workers were isolated and oppressed by an unjust economic system that prioritized profit over welfare.
This document provides background information and a summary of Joseph Conrad's novella "Heart of Darkness". It discusses that the story is narrated by Charles Marlow and follows his journey transporting ivory down the Congo River in Africa. It describes how Marlow encounters the mysterious Kurtz, who represents the dark side of imperialism. The document also touches on themes of savagery, civilization, and the darkness that exists in all people.
The document discusses colonialism throughout history and its portrayal in E.M. Forster's novel "A Passage to India". It outlines various colonial empires from ancient civilizations to the modern British Empire. It then analyzes how Forster uses the novel to critically examine life under British rule in India in the early 20th century, depicting the tensions and conflicts that arise from the colonial system and how it affects relationships between the British colonists and Indian people. The document asserts that Forster shows colonialism as ultimately harmful to both groups.
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad explores the themes of imperialism and the human capacity for good and evil. Set in the late 19th century Congo Free State, the story follows Marlow's journey up the Congo River to retrieve the ivory trader Kurtz. Through Marlow's recollections told on a boat, Conrad examines the brutal realities of colonialism in Africa that drive men mad, as seen in Kurtz who establishes himself as a god among the local tribes. The novella also serves as a psychological journey that questions what lurks in the "heart of darkness" of all humanity.
Passage to india major characters and themesdoaa2015
1. A Passage to India is a 1924 novel by E.M. Forster set during the British colonial period in India. It examines the conflict and tensions between British colonists and Indians.
2. The main characters are Dr. Aziz, an Indian physician; Mrs. Moore, a British woman visiting India; Miss Adela Quested, a young British woman; and Cyril Fielding, a British schoolmaster who befriends Aziz.
3. Adela accuses Aziz of assaulting her in the Marabar Caves, inflaming racial tensions and exposing the prejudices between Indians and their British rulers. Aziz's trial becomes a symbol of these divisions in colonial India.
Imperialism and Joseph Conrad's Heart of DarknessSvetlanna Thomas
This document summarizes imperialism and racism in Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness. It provides context on imperialism as stronger nations taking over weaker ones. It then gives three examples of racism from the novel: Europeans seeing themselves as superior to Africans, Kurtz's native mistress being described as "savage," and a black man being called a racial slur. The document also provides two examples of imperialism, with the Company exploiting native land and people for ivory, and Kurtz prioritizing ivory over his supposed civilizing mission. In conclusion, it states the novel depicts many instances of both racism and imperialism from European powers in Africa.
Volpone pretends to be on his deathbed in order to dupe three men - Voltore, Corbaccio, and Corvino - who each believe they will inherit his fortune. His servant Mosca encourages this deception. Mosca also convinces Corbaccio to disinherit his son Bonario in favor of Volpone. When the scheme is uncovered in court, Volpone, Mosca, and the other dupes receive punishment.
This document presents an analysis of Alexander Pope's poem "The Rape of the Lock" as a mock epic. It defines epic and mock epic poetry, compares their characteristics, and identifies 12 ways in which Pope's poem follows epic conventions through trivial or mundane themes, such as focusing on a card game instead of a battle. The analysis concludes that Pope skillfully uses the mock-heroic form to highlight the triviality of small matters by contrasting them with the grandeur of epics, making "The Rape of the Lock" a successful example of a mock epic.
The novel "Our Sister Killjoy" by Ama Ata Aidoo is divided into four sections. It follows Sissie, a young Ghanaian woman, as she travels to Germany and London. In Germany, she observes how her fellow African expatriates have abandoned their culture and identity. In London, she sees how many Africans live in poor conditions under colonial rule. Throughout her travels, Sissie challenges the stereotypes and colonial mindsets she encounters. In the final section, Sissie writes a confrontational love letter critiquing African expatriates who refuse to return home and help build their nation.
The Rape of the Lock was written by Pope to chide gently the Fermor family when Lord Petre cut off a lock of Arabella Fermor’s hair on a certain fateful day and such dire consequences followed. Pope started something that culminated into a piece of literature that has remained to this day a leading example of the mock epic satire.
Gulliver's Travels follows Lemuel Gulliver, a surgeon from England, as he embarks on four voyages, each beginning with a shipwreck that lands him in fantastical lands. In the first two voyages, he is marooned among populations of either tiny people or giants. The third finds him rescued by a floating island of irrational mathematicians. The fourth exposes the brutish nature of humans as contrasted with the rational horses who govern their land. Through these journeys, Swift satirizes 18th century politics, human nature, and societal norms.
Heart of Darkness examples of Racism and Imperialism rlye123
This document summarizes 5 examples of racism and imperialism from the novel "Heart of Darkness" in 3-sentence passages. The examples describe the native people in inhuman and inferior terms, such as comparing them to animals or saying their language sounds non-human. One passage discusses how Europeans saw themselves as supernatural beings to the natives. The last summary states that while the ideas behind imperialism may sound appealing, the actual practice of conquering other lands involves taking them from people with different skin or noses.
The play 'Arms and the Man' begins in the bedroom of Raina Petkoff in a Bulgarian town in 1885.it was the time of Serbo-Bulgarian War. As the play opens, Catherine Petkoff and her daughter, Raina, have just heard that the Bulgarians have scored a tremendous victory in a cavalry charge led by Raina's fiancé, Major Sergius Saranoff, who is in the same regiment as Raina's father, Major Paul Petkoff. Raina is so impressed with the noble deeds of her fiancé that she fears that she might never be able to live up to his nobility..-----------
Deed analysis of the novella's quest for absolute truth, knowledge and reality.
Analysis of of the construction of binaries and construction of the other.
The Pilgrim's Progress tells the story of Christian's journey from his home to the Celestial City as an allegory. In the story, Christian and his companion Faithful encounter Vanity Fair, a town representing the sinful world. Vanity Fair is depicted as a bustling marketplace selling all manner of worldly goods and vices. Christian and Faithful stand out from the crowd due to their plain clothing and disinterest in the wares for sale. Their behavior arouses hostility from residents of Vanity Fair, leading to Faithful being put on trial and condemned as a heretic. The allegory uses Vanity Fair to represent the difficulty pilgrims face distinguishing themselves from worldly attractions on their journey to salvation.
George Eliot's 1860 novel The Mill on the Floss follows siblings Tom and Maggie Tulliver and their family. Mr. Tulliver owns the Dorlcote Mill but loses it after a lawsuit brought by Mr. Wakem. This causes financial and emotional strain on the family. Maggie and Tom grow apart as Tom resents Maggie's intellectual curiosity. Maggie falls for both Philip Wakem and Stephen Guest, but her love for them is rejected by society and contributes to her tragic fate when she and Tom die together in a flood while trying to save each other. The novel examines themes of love, sympathy, and the influence of society on individuals.
:-“Mac Flecknoe; or, A satyr upon the True-Blew-Protestant Poet, T.S.” was a lampoon by John Dryden against the poet laureate Thomas Shadwell who superseded him in 1669.
Mac means ‘son of’. So, MacFlecknoe means ‘Son of Flecknoe’, while the word ‘True-Blew’ means an extreme ‘Whig Blue’ which was the colour of the Tories.
Richard Flecknoe (c. 1600 – 1678) was an English dramatist and poet. His works were praised by some critics and derided by others. Why John Dryden used his name to ridicule and satirize Thomas Shadwell, his contemporary and one time friend who later became an enemy, is not clear. Flecknoe was a minor poet having religious inclinations and most of his writings were private writings. So, Dryden calling him ‘the monarch of absolute nonsense’ was similar to Iago’s ‘motive hunting of a motiveless malignity’. Thomas Shadwell was called the ‘son and successor’ of Flecknoe’.
The document provides biographical information about T.S. Eliot and contextualizes his modernist poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock". It notes that Eliot was an American-English poet born in Missouri who lived much of his life in London. The poem is considered one of the most influential works of the 20th century. Modernism emerged in response to World War I and Victorian ideals, featuring experimental styles and questioning social norms. "The Love Song" examines the emptiness of the social world through Prufrock's self-analysis and is a prime example of modernist poetry through its fragmented form and themes.
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad is a novella published in 1902 that follows a journey into the Congo by the character Marlow. The main themes are the different forms of darkness found in the Congo, including the abuse of native people by colonialists. Marlow's journey is a spiritual voyage of self-discovery as he encounters darkness in himself and others, represented by the character Kurtz who fully embraces the wilderness. By the end of the journey, Marlow has faced his own inner darkness and returns home a changed man with deeper self-knowledge.
Matthew Arnold was a 19th century English poet and critic. In his famous work "The Study of Poetry", Arnold argues that poetry has a higher purpose to interpret life, provide consolation, and sustain humanity as science and philosophy prove unstable. He believes poetry will increasingly be turned to for its spiritual and intellectual benefits. Arnold advocates for a high standard and strict judgment of poetry, assessing it based on the seriousness of its subject matter and excellence of style. He promotes looking to classical poets like Homer and Milton as the best models of poetry's "grand style".
Thomas Carlyle was a 19th century Scottish writer known for criticizing the materialism of the Victorian era. He feared that industrialization and laissez-faire economic policies would destroy individuality. While sympathetic to the plight of the working class, he believed they lacked leadership and advocated a return to paternalistic systems like feudalism. Carlyle felt industrial workers were isolated and oppressed by an unjust economic system that prioritized profit over welfare.
This document provides background information and a summary of Joseph Conrad's novella "Heart of Darkness". It discusses that the story is narrated by Charles Marlow and follows his journey transporting ivory down the Congo River in Africa. It describes how Marlow encounters the mysterious Kurtz, who represents the dark side of imperialism. The document also touches on themes of savagery, civilization, and the darkness that exists in all people.
The document discusses colonialism throughout history and its portrayal in E.M. Forster's novel "A Passage to India". It outlines various colonial empires from ancient civilizations to the modern British Empire. It then analyzes how Forster uses the novel to critically examine life under British rule in India in the early 20th century, depicting the tensions and conflicts that arise from the colonial system and how it affects relationships between the British colonists and Indian people. The document asserts that Forster shows colonialism as ultimately harmful to both groups.
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad explores the themes of imperialism and the human capacity for good and evil. Set in the late 19th century Congo Free State, the story follows Marlow's journey up the Congo River to retrieve the ivory trader Kurtz. Through Marlow's recollections told on a boat, Conrad examines the brutal realities of colonialism in Africa that drive men mad, as seen in Kurtz who establishes himself as a god among the local tribes. The novella also serves as a psychological journey that questions what lurks in the "heart of darkness" of all humanity.
The document summarizes Marlow's journey in Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness. It describes his stops at the outer, central, and inner stations in Africa, where he witnesses mistreated Africans and learns more about the sinister Kurtz. At the inner station, Marlow sees signs of brutality like human skulls. Kurtz has "gone native" and uses violent tactics to acquire ivory. The document suggests the book illustrates the capacity for evil in all people and calls readers to be moral and bring light to darkness.
- Joseph Conrad was born in 1857 in Poland and was exiled to Russia with his family after his father was arrested for organizing an uprising. He became a merchant seaman and traveled widely, experiences that influenced his later works.
- His most famous work, Heart of Darkness, tells the story of Marlow's journey into the Congo Free State, a private colony owned by King Leopold II of Belgium, where he searches for the mysterious Mr. Kurtz.
- The novella examines themes of colonialism and its impacts, portraying the brutality of Belgian rule in the Congo and suggesting that imperialism brings out the worst in human nature. It has had significant influence on other works of literature and film that
The document discusses the portrayal of women characters in Joseph Conrad's novel Heart of Darkness. It analyzes several female characters: Marlow's aunt who helps Marlow get a job in Africa; the two women knitting black wool who represent European imperialism and death; the Negress who loves Kurtz; and Kurtz's intended who mourns him deeply. Overall, Conrad's female characters play minor roles in the story and are often used to symbolize imperialism or death in Africa.
- Joseph Conrad was born in 1857 in Poland under Russian rule to Polish aristocrats. His father was exiled for revolutionary activities and Conrad became an orphan in his youth.
- As a teenager, Conrad began sailing on merchant ships to gain experience at sea. He traveled extensively in the Caribbean and engaged in some gunrunning.
- Conrad eventually became a British citizen in 1886 and wrote his novels in English, though he spoke several other languages. His best known works, like Heart of Darkness, examined themes of human nature and morality.
- Conrad lived much of his later life in England, where he raised a family and continued writing until his death in 1924. His psychologically complex novels had a significant influence on modern
Heart of darkness- Racism & Imperialism examplesrlye123
This document summarizes and provides examples of racism and imperialism from Joseph Conrad's novella Heart of Darkness. It analyzes 5 passages from the text. The passages describe Kurtz's mistress as a "savage", compare a native man to a dog in clothes, portray Europeans as gods to natives, describe native language as "non-human noises", and note Marlow's comment that imperialism involves taking land from people with different skin or noses. The document concludes that the text reflects the racist idea of European superiority prevalent at the time through its dehumanizing depictions of Africans.
1) Joseph Conrad was a Polish-British writer born in 1857 who is known for works such as Heart of Darkness.
2) Conrad can be viewed as both a realist, through close observations in works like Heart of Darkness, and an impressionist focused on conveying sensory experiences rather than detailed inventories.
3) Conrad remained aloof from discussing modern industrialized society, focusing more on individual emotions and maladjustments.
Conrad's novel Heart of Darkness depicts the bitter realities of life in Africa through the character of Marlow. Marlow sees through the superficial civilization of European cities and observes the purposeless and corrupt activities towards the native Africans. Marlow's journey inward is a spiritual voyage of self-discovery as he encounters the darkness within. The realities portrayed include the darkness that must remain hidden in man to survive morally, as well as the artificial realities that conceal the truly real.
Ekwefi’s Role in Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebeiosrjce
Ekwefi’s character is one of the most significant characters in things fall apart by Chinua Achebe.
She possess the qualities which distinguish her of Okonkwo’s other wives. Even she seems to have less
drawbacks than the protagonist of the novel.
In the novel she has been described as beautiful youth and second wife of Okonkwo. Her bold action
was as she ran from her previous husband and came to live with Okonkwo, in a patriarchcal society. She loved
wrestling and it might be the reason that she liked Okonkwo.
In society, women were dominated by men. They were fated to be satisfied mens’ lust for sex, give birth
to children and bring up them. She had suffered much in married life. Nine of her children died in infancy and
Ezinma was the tenth of them who was the purpose of her life.
Not only she is the most intelligent and confident among Okonkwo’s wives but the most strongest
character in novel. She chased the priest in darkness for the sake of her daughter and sworn even to stand
against the deities.
She had heroic qualities and less weak points in her character through out the novel. Sometimes her
understanding of things and judgment seem more than Okonkwo.
Heart of Darkness - Text Set, AP English Literature, English IVAlissa Rhee
This document provides background information and context for analyzing Joseph Conrad's novella Heart of Darkness. It includes a summary of the plot, quantitative details about the text, relevant TEKS standards, potential text-dependent questions, and suggestions for complementary texts to pair with Heart of Darkness, including political cartoons, poems, and films that engage with themes of imperialism. The rationale sections argue that these complementary materials can provide historical context, different perspectives, and accessibility to support student analysis of how imperialism is depicted and has changed over time in Heart of Darkness.
Carpentry was an important occupation in colonial times. Carpenters used tools like saws, axes, planes and wood like oak, locust and pine to build furniture, houses and other structures. It took skill, strength, patience and memory to master carpentry. Silversmiths created decorative silver items by casting metal in molds and adding other pieces. They needed creativity and their shops were in cities. Basket makers wove baskets from wood strips to carry food and flowers, requiring skills with knives and water treatment. Chandlers made candles by collecting tallow, making wicks and dipping them, needing skills in hunting and fire-making. Blacksmiths forged metal tools over years of apprenticeship,
This document summarizes critical responses to Joseph Conrad's novella Heart of Darkness from three time periods: 1) The early responses when it was published in 1902 which praised it as a literary achievement but ignored its treatment of race. 2) Chinua Achebe's 1977 critique that condemned the novella as racist. 3) Edward Said's 1993 defense of Conrad, contextualizing him as a product of his colonial era. It argues the critiques were influenced by their historical contexts, with early readers less sensitive to race issues and Achebe/Said reflecting post-colonial perspectives.
The document discusses several characters from Joseph Conrad's novel Heart of Darkness. It describes an accountant at a trading station who is self-centered and dressed finely while the station and natives live in poor conditions. It also discusses Kurtz, a man at the station who is not fond of the natives and wants to be a god, and how his ideals contrast with his naive fiancée in Europe. Finally, it mentions a brickmaker at the station who is idle and greedy and aids in a conspiracy, as well as the brutal death of the helmsman at the hands of natives.
Blu-ray discs can store much more data than DVDs due to a shorter wavelength blue-violet laser that allows for tighter data packing. A single-layer Blu-ray disc can hold up to 27GB, over 2 hours of high-definition video, while a dual-layer disc can hold 50GB, over 4.5 hours of HD video. Blu-ray provides benefits like recording one program while watching another and instantly accessing any point on the disc. It is supported by many technology companies and movie studios and will continue improving to store even more data per disc.
Race and Racial Thinking: Africa and Its Others in Heart of Darkness and Othe...iosrjce
This document summarizes and critiques colonial-era writings about Africa, specifically the Democratic Republic of Congo, and how they promoted racist ideologies and justified colonialism. It discusses how early Western scholars like Hegel portrayed Africa as devoid of history and culture. It analyzes two major works on Congo - Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness and William Sheppard's Presbyterian Pioneers in Congo - and how they represented Africans. It also discusses how explorers like Henry Morton Stanley helped King Leopold of Belgium seize control of Congo by portraying it as untouched by civilization and ripe for exploitation of its resources. The document argues this colonial literature played a major role in cementing negative views of Africa that have persisted.
Marlow recalls how as a boy he would dream of exploring the blank spaces on maps, but by adulthood those spaces had been filled in with knowledge, ceasing to be places of mystery and instead becoming places of darkness. The passage reflects on how childhood wonder and imagination give way to adult disillusionment with imperialism and colonialism.
Achebe argues that Conrad's Heart of Darkness is a racist work that dehumanizes Africans, portraying the continent as a place of darkness and savagery. Harris rebuts that Achebe misinterprets Conrad, claiming the novel intentionally parodies colonial attitudes and that its descriptions serve metaphorical purposes. The document's authors argue Achebe was wrong due to willful misinterpretation, misguided rage, missing Conrad's point that the work is about humanity's capacity for darkness, and failing to properly critique Conrad's portrayal of Africa rather than calling him racist. While understanding Achebe's perspective, they maintain Heart of Darkness is not an overtly racist text.
Elements of Darkness and Light in the Heart of Darkness with Special Referenc...Water Birds (Ali)
This is my presentation for my MA English class. You are free to modify, share, redistribute and add to it in any way you like.
*I do not own the images used in the presentation. They are the property of their respective owners.
Representation of Africa in "Things Fall Apart" and "Heart of Darkness"jinalparmar
This document provides an overview and comparison of the novels "Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad and "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe. It summarizes that both novels were set in Africa during the time of colonialism, but that Conrad portrayed Africans as "savages" and presented a dark image of Africa, while Achebe aimed to show a more realistic portrayal of Igbo culture and society. It also discusses some of the critiques that Achebe and other scholars like Said and JanMohammed have regarding Conrad's racist depiction of Africa in "Heart of Darkness".
Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness follows Charlie Marlow's journey into the Congo Free State in Africa in the late 19th century. Marlow tells of his experience working for an ivory trading company and his encounter with the mysterious Kurtz. The novella explores themes of colonialism, racism, and the thin line between civilization and savagery. It depicts the horrific realities of Leopold II's brutal regime in the Congo through the physical and moral corruption witnessed by Marlow. The river Congo represents the journey into the darkness at the heart of man and society that Marlow discovers.
PPISMP TSLB1124 Topic 4 Novella “Heart of Darkness”.pptxYee Bee Choo
This document provides an overview of the novella "Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad and the course contents for analyzing the work. It includes biographical information about Conrad, outlines the major themes of imperialism and human greed in the novella, provides a detailed plot summary with timelines and characters, and identifies literary devices used including symbolism, imagery, simile and metaphor. The document concludes with discussing the modernist style and structure of the work.
Week 3 eng 1013 p_pt slides_by faisal ahmedFaisal Ahmed
This lecture on ppt slides focuses on the summary and analysis of Part 2 of Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. This has been prepared by Faisal Ahmed, faculty Member, Department of English, World University of Bangladesh.
The document discusses the theme of uncertainty in Joseph Conrad's novella Heart of Darkness. It summarizes that uncertainty is embedded throughout in the narrative structure, ambiguous descriptions of the environment and characters, and recurring images of darkness. The structure being a story within a story makes it unreliable. The jungle is depicted as mysterious and foggy. Characters like Kurtz are enigmatic figures with both noble and destructive impulses. Darkness represents the blurring of lines between good and evil. The entire journey is filled with a sense of unknown danger and lack of surety.
This document summarizes several key themes from Joseph Conrad's novel Heart of Darkness, including:
1) Alienation and loneliness experienced by characters cut off from society in the African wilderness.
2) Deception and hypocrisy in the colonial exploitation of the Congo under the guise of philanthropic goals.
3) The themes of order and disorder, and how exposure to the chaos of the jungle leads some characters to madness.
4) How characters grapple with their duties and responsibilities as they are corrupted by their experiences.
5) The pervasive doubt and ambiguity that arises as reality loses meaning in the disorienting African environment.
This document provides an overview and analysis of Joseph Conrad's novella Heart of Darkness. It discusses the style, narrative technique, symbolism, themes of imperialism and racism, and key characters such as Marlow, Kurtz, and the Manager. The document also covers Conrad's biography and the historical context of Belgium's colonial exploitation of the Congo, which influenced the story. Post-colonial, feminist, psychoanalytic, and other critical lenses are also mentioned for analyzing the novella.
Week-2 Lessons of the course 20th Century Modern Fiction (ENG 1013). This lecture has been made for the students of MA 1 year programme in Summer 2020. The lecture on Power Point slides has been created by Faisal Ahmed, Faculty member, Department of English, World University of Bangladesh (WUB).
The document discusses imperialism and themes related to it in Joseph Conrad's novel Heart of Darkness. It summarizes that imperialism involved European colonization of Africa and Asia in the 19th century, driven by beliefs of European racial superiority. In Heart of Darkness, Marlow comes to reject imperialism after witnessing abuse of power and failure to civilize local populations as promised. Ivory collection symbolizes the exploitative greed and commercial motives of the imperialists rather than humanitarian goals. The treatment of African workers and locals highlights the racism inherent in imperialist systems.
The document discusses themes of imperialism in Joseph Conrad's novella Heart of Darkness. It explores how the novella depicts Europeans asserting their racial superiority and civilizing mission as justification for colonizing Africa. However, Marlow comes to realize that imperialism in the Congo involved brutal exploitation and abuse of power over native people. Ivory is presented as a symbol of the Europeans' greedy commercial motivations for imperialism. While the idea of uplifting natives was used to justify colonization, many Europeans instead treated natives as less than human and failed to civilize them.
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad is a novella that follows a man named Marlow as he recounts his experience working for a Belgian company in Africa in the late 19th century. Marlow travels into the Congo to replace another captain and encounters Kurtz, a man who has taken over an ivory trading station and appears to have gone mad with power. Marlow's journey exposes the dark realities of colonialism and imperialism, as well as the capacity for humans to commit atrocities when unrestrained by morality or law. The story serves as a critique of European treatment of Africans and as a psychological exploration of the potential darkness in all people.
Heart of Darkness - Autobiographical elements... ele...Faheem Akram Shah
Conrad took a journey to the Congo in 1890 that greatly influenced his novel Heart of Darkness. During his journey, Conrad accompanied Henry Morton Stanley and witnessed firsthand the colonial exploitation of the Congo. Conrad had an unpleasant experience, finding it difficult to withstand the climate and seeing Europeans speak ill of one another. His journey resembled Marlow's journey in the novel, and some characters like Mr. Kurtz's predecessor Klein were based on people Conrad met. Both Conrad and Marlow experienced disillusionment upon observing the treatment of natives and felt a sense of enlightenment and crisis. Overall, Heart of Darkness drew heavily from Conrad's own experiences and mental state, making Marlow a mouthpiece for Conrad's views
Nature of the task 1. write a paragraph about your trip to dubai and what ar...solutionaia
1. write a paragraph about your trip to dubai and what are the facts responsible for the heavy rainfall in dubai that caused havec ?
2. mention any five major tourist attaction of dubai
Mathematics: a student a visit her family her father converted Rs. 1,15,000 inr currency for dubai airport theexpedite in the trip is given below
1. Curreny name of India and dubai
2. Conversions amount
3. Total Converted amount
4. cost of food
5. cost of sightseeing
6. cost of shoping
7. cost of saving
Golden Gate Bridge: Magnificent Architecture in San Francisco | CIO Women Mag...CIOWomenMagazine
The famous suspension bridge connects the city of San Francisco to Marin County in California. Golden Gate Bridge carries both U.S. Route 101 and California State Route 1 across the strait and is about one mile wide. In this article, we will explore the history and significance that have shaped the iconic monument it is known as today.
How To Change Your Name On American Airlines Aadvantage.pptxedqour001namechange
American Airlines permits passengers to change/correct names on their AAdvantage account. Also, you can request a name change both online via a web portal and offline over the phone. For further information on how to change your name on American Airlines Advantage, get in touch with the airline’s customer service. Also, you can reach out to a consolidation desk at +1-866-738-0741 for quick assistance.
Beyond the mountains, a tour in Nepal reveals a vibrant tapestry of cultural heritage. The Kathmandu Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts an array of ancient temples, stupas, and palaces. Durbar Squares in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan are treasure troves of medieval art and architecture.
Un viaje a Buenos Aires y sus alrededoresJudy Hochberg
A travelogue of my recent trip to Argentina, most to Buenos Aires, but including excursion to Iguazú waterfalls, Tigre, and Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay
The Ultimate Travel Guide to Hawaii Island Hopping in 2024adventuressabifn
island hopping in Hawaii. This magical place offers a number of experiences, as each island has its own charm. Do you love adventure? Then, hike through volcanoes or kayak along an amazing coastline. If you want relaxation, then Hawaii is perfect because it has the most amazing beaches. In this blog, I will help you make an itinerary for your Hawaii Island Hopping. Every island offers something special. The Big Island offers some of the most perfect volcanoes as well as stargazing. Maui will pamper you with beaches and luxury. Kauai has some of the most lush rainforests with dramatic cliffs, and Oahu can offer a taste of city life and historical significance.
Ibiza, situated in the Balearic Islands, stands out as a destination that encompasses everything: stunning landscapes, hidden gems to explore, a vibrant social scene, rich cultural life, and exceptional gastronomy. Opting for ‘Ibiza Rent A Boat’ to experience an unforgettable vacation on the White Island is certainly worthwhile, prompting a deeper exploration of the unique and fascinating aspects of Ibiza.
How do I plan a Kilimanjaro Climb?
Planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is an exciting yet detailed process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare for this incredible adventure.
Edutour" is your premier choice for educational travel experiences, offering specialized tours for schools, colleges, universities, and enthusiasts alike. As a comprehensive educational tour operator, we cater to a diverse range of interests and destinations, ensuring unforgettable experiences that combine learning, exploration, and cultural immersion.
Prepare for cold weather rafting with proper gear: layering for warmth, insulated headgear, gloves, waterproof footwear, and essential accessories like sunglasses and sunscreen. Prioritize safety with a life jacket and maintain gear for optimal performance. Stay warm, dry, and ready for adventure on the rapids!
You can easily change/correct a name on your flight ticket under the American Airlines name change policy. The airline provides multiple online and offline modes to place a name change request. To learn more about how to change a name on American Airlines ticket, you can directly approach the airline’s customer support. Moreover, you can connect with a flight expert at +1-866-738-0741 for quick assistance.
bangalore metro routes, stations, timingsnarinav14
Bangalore Metro, also known as Namma Metro, is a rapid transit system serving the city of Bangalore, Karnataka, India. It is the second longest operational metro network in India after the Delhi Metro.
Our excursions in tahiti offer stunning lagoon tours, vibrant marine life encounters, and cultural experiences. We ensure unforgettable adventures amidst breathtaking landscapes and serene waters. For more information, mail us at tracey@uniquetahiti.com.
Discovering Egypt A Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Trip.pptImperial Egypt
Travelling to Egypt is like stepping into a time capsule where the past and present coexist, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes.
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2. The Summary Heart of Darkness begins on board the Nellie, a small ship moored on the Thames River in London. After describing the river and its slow-moving traffic, the unnamed narrator offers short descriptions of London's history to his companions who, with him, lazily lounge on the deck, waiting for the tide to turn. With him are the Director of Companies (their Captain), a lawyer, an accountant, and Marlow, the novel's protagonist. As the sun sets, the four men become contemplative and brooding; eventually, Marlow breaks the spell of silence by beginning his tale about his voyage to the Congo. The other men remain silent while Marlow collects his ideas, after which he begins the story proper. The remainder of the novel becomes (with a few exceptions) the narrator's report of what Marlow tells him and the others on board the Nellie. Conrad's novel is thus a frame tale, or story-within-a-story.
3. As a boy, Marlow was fascinated by maps and yearned to become a seaman or explorer who could visit the most remote parts of the earth. As a young man, Marlow spent approximately six years sailing in the Pacific before returning to London — where he then saw, in a shop window, a map of Africa and the Congo River. Recalling the news of a Continental trading Company operating in the Congo, Marlow became determined to pilot a steamboat to find adventure in Africa. He asked his aunt, who knew the wife of a Company official to assist him in getting a job as a pilot; she happily complied. Marlow hurried across the English Channel to sign his contracts at the Company's headquarters in Brussels. Passing through an office with two women who are knitting, Marlow spoke with the Company's director for less than a minute; after being dismissed, he was asked to sign a number of papers in which he promised not to divulge any trade secrets. Marlow finally reached the mouth of the Congo. Finding passage on a little sea-bound steamer to take him where his steamboat awaited him, Marlow spoke with its Swedish captain about the Company and the effects of the jungle on Europeans. The Swede then told Marlow a short yet ominous story about a man he took upriver who hanged himself on the road. Shocked, Marlow asked why, only to be told that perhaps the "sun" or the "country" were too much for him. Eventually, they reached the Company's Outer Station, which amounted to three wooden buildings on the side of a rocky slope. Out of this station was shipped the Company's most important and lucrative commodity: ivory.
4. Marlow spent the next ten days waiting for the caravan to conduct him to the Central Station (and his steamboat), during which time he saw more of the Accountant. On some days, Marlow would sit in his office, trying to avoid the giant "stabbing" flies. When a stretcher with a sick European was put in the office temporarily, the Accountant became annoyed with his groans, complaining that they distracted him and increased the chances for clerical errors. Noting Marlow's ultimate destination in the interior region of the Congo, the Accountant hinted that Marlow would "no doubt meet Mr. Kurtz," a Company agent in charge of an incredibly lucrative ivory-post deep in the interior. The Accountant described Kurtz as a "first class agent" and "remarkable person" whose station brought in more ivory than all the other stations combined. He asked Marlow to tell Kurtz that everything at the Outer Station was satisfactory and then hinted that Kurtz was being groomed for a high position in the Company's Administration.
5. The day after this conversation, Marlow left the Outer Station with a caravan of sixty men for a two hundred-mile "tramp" to the Central Station. (The men were native porters who carried the equipment, food and water.) Marlow saw innumerable paths cut through the jungle and a number of abandoned villages along the way. He saw a drunken White man, who claimed to be looking after the "upkeep" of a road, and the body of a native who was shot in the head. Marlow's one White companion was an overweight man who kept fainting due to the heat. Eventually, he had to be carried in a hammock, and when the hammock skinned his nose and was dropped by the natives, he demanded that Marlow do something to punish them. Marlow did nothing except press onward until they reached the Central Station, where an "excitable chap" informed him that his steamboat was at the bottom of the river; two days earlier, the bottom of the boat had been torn off when some "volunteer skipper" piloted it upriver to have it ready for Marlow's arrival.
6. Marlow was therefore forced to spend time at the Central Station. As he did with the Outer Station, he relates to his audience on the Nellie his impressions of the place. Marlow met a Brickmaker (although Marlow did not see a brick anywhere) who pressed him for information about the Company's activities in Europe. When Marlow confessed to knowing nothing about the secret intrigues of the Company, the Brickmaker assumed he was lying and became annoyed. At this point, Marlow breaks off his narrative, explaining to the men on the Nellie that he finds it difficult to convey the dream-like quality of his African experiences. Marlow resumes his tale by continuing the description of his talk with the Brickmaker, who complained to Marlow that he could never find the necessary materials needed to make any bricks. Marlow told of how he needed rivets to repair his steamboat, but none arrived in any of the caravans.
7. After his conversation with the Brickmaker, Marlow told his mechanic (a boilermaker) that their rivets would be arriving shortly. (Marlow assumed that because the Brickmaker was eager to please him because he assumed Marlow had important friends, he would get him the necessary rivets.) Like the Brickmaker, the mechanic assumed that Marlow had great influence in Europe. However, the rivets did not arrive — instead, a number of White men riding donkeys (and followed by a number of natives) burst into the Central Station. Marlow learned that these men called themselves the Eldorado Exploring Expedition and that they had arrived in search of treasure. The Manager's uncle was the leader of the Expedition, and Marlow saw him and his nephew conspiring on many occasions. At times, Marlow would hear Kurtz's name mentioned and become mildly curious, but he felt a strong desire to repair his steamship and begin his job as a pilot.
11. PilgrimsThe bumbling, greedy agents of the Central Station. They carry long wooden staves, reminding Marlow of traditional religious travelers. They all want to be appointed to a station so that they can trade for ivory and earn a commission, but none of them actually takes any effective steps toward achieving this goal. They are obsessed with keeping up a veneer of civilization and proper conduct, and are motivated entirely by self-interest. They hate the natives and treat them like animals.
12.
13. Kurtz’s African mistressA fiercely beautiful woman loaded with jewelry who appears on the shore when Marlow’s steamer arrives at and leaves the Inner Station. She seems to exert an undue influence over both Kurtz and the natives around the station, and the Russian trader points her out as someone to fear. Like Kurtz, she is an enigma: she never speaks to Marlow, and he never learns anything more about her.
16. Marlow Marlow is a thirty-two-year-old sailor who has always lived at sea. The novel's narrator presents Marlow as "a meditating Buddha" because his experiences in the Congo have made him introspective and to a certain degree philosophic and wise. As a young man, Marlow wished to explore the "blank places" on the map because he longed for adventure; his journey up the Congo, however, proves to be much more than a thrilling episode. Instead, his experiences there teach Marlow about the "heart of darkness" found in all men: Many (like himself) suppress these evil urges, while others (like Kurtz) succumb to them. Marlow's chief qualities are his curiosity and skepticism. Never easily satisfied with others' seemingly innocent remarks such as those made by the Manager and Brickmaker, Marlow constantly attempts to sift through the obscurities of what others tell him (such as when his aunt speaks to him of "weaning those ignorant millions from their horrid ways"). However, Marlow is no crusader for Truth. He lies to Kurtz's Intended to save her from a broken heart and ultimately returns to Europe and his home, despite his having been convinced by the Company and Kurtz that civilization is, ultimately, a lie and an institution humans have created to channel their desires for power. As Heart of Darkness progresses, Marlow becomes increasingly sensitive to his surroundings and the "darkness" that they may embody or hide. When he visits the Company's headquarters, for example, he is slightly alarmed by the doctor's comments and puzzled by the two women knitting black wool. When he arrives at the Outer Station, however, he is shocked at the amount of waste and disregard for life he sees there. By the end of the novel, Marlow is almost unable to reintegrate himself into European society, having become convinced of the lies and "surface-truths" that sustain it. He tells his story to the men aboard the Nellie to share with them what he has learned about the darkness of the human heart — and the things of which that darkness is capable.
17. Kurtz One of the most enigmatic characters in twentieth-century literature, Kurtz is a petty tyrant, a dying god, an embodiment of Europe, and an assault on European values. These contradictory elements combine to make Kurtz so fascinating to Marlow — and so threatening to the Company. Like Marlow, Kurtz also wished to travel to Africa in search of adventure — specifically, to complete great acts of "humanizing, improving, instructing" (as he explains in his initial report to the Company). Once he tasted the power that could be his in the jungle, however, Kurtz abandoned his philanthropic ideals and set himself up as a god to the natives at the Inner Station. While he used to worry about the best ways to bring (as his painting demonstrates) the "light" of civilization to the Congo, he dies as a man believing that the Company should simply "Exterminate all the brutes!" Kurtz is a dangerous man because he gives the lie to the Company's "humanistic" intentions in the Congo. He returns more ivory than all the other stations put together, and does so through the use of absolute force. This frightens men like the Manager, who complains of Kurtz's "unsound method" — although Kurtz is only doing what the Company as a whole is doing without hiding his actions behind a façade of good intentions. Marlow remarks that "All Europe contributed to the making of Kurtz," and Kurtz's very existence proves this to be true: Like the Europeans involved in enterprises such as the Company, he epitomizes the greed and lust running wild that Marlow observes in the Congo. However, unlike the Company, Kurtz is not interested in his image or how he is perceived by "noxious fools" such as the Manager. While Brussels is a "whited sepulcher" of hypocrisy, Kurtz is completely open about his lusts. He tells the Manager he is "Not so sick as you'd like to believe." But this statement is applicable to all Europeans involved in imperialistic empire-building: While labeling Kurtz a morally "sick" man might seem comforting, he is actually an exaggeration of the impulses harbored in the hearts of men everywhere.
18. The Manager As Kurtz (in some sense) embodies Europe, the Manager embodies the Company that he represents in the Congo. The Manager's primary concern is preserving his position within the Company, which he incorrectly assumes Kurtz wishes to steal from him. A scheming liar, the Manager sabotages Marlow's steamboat to prevent supplies from reaching Kurtz at the Inner Station. Neither Marlow nor Kurtz believe his shows of concern for Kurtz's health: When he tells Kurtz that he has come to save him, Kurtz replies, "Save the ivory, you mean," and after Kurtz dies, Marlow feels the Manager's eyes on him as he leaves Kurtz's room, eager to learn of his rival agent's death. According to Marlow, the Manager "inspires uneasiness" and tries to use this ability to gain information about Kurtz and his activities from Marlow. A despicable man, the Manager has the power to make the Company a reputable operation, but refuses to do so for fear that this would impede the flow of ivory that comes out of Africa.
19. The Accountant Although he only appears in the novel for a short time, the Accountant is an important figure because he personifies the Company's goals and methods. The fact that he spends his days with his ledger in the middle of the jungle suggests the great importance the Company places on profits. Moreover, his immaculately white and spotless dress suggests the Company's desire to seem "morally spotless" to the rest of the world. When a dying man is brought into his hut, the Accountant complains, "The groans of this sick person distract my attention. And without that it is extremely difficult to guard against clerical errors in this climate." Like the Company, the Accountant wants men to die out of eyesight so he can focus his "attention" on preventing "clerical errors." Sickness and death are inevitable parts of business, and if one dwells on them they are liable to "distract" him from his main purpose: Tallying the profits. Ironically, these profits are supposed to be used to help the natives that the Company is destroying. The Accountant also hints at the great hatred that the Whites have for the natives, as well as the fact that there are agents at the Central Station who will do anything to further their own careers.
20. This Russian disciple of Kurtz is so named by Marlow because of the different-colored patches he wears on his clothes. The image of a clown in motley dress also suggests the Harlequin's position as Kurtz's "court jester." Despite the fact that Kurtz threatened to kill him, the Harlequin can only offer effusive praise of Kurtz's intellect, charisma, and wisdom. When Marlow first meets him, the Harlequin serves as a possible outcome of Marlow's journey: Will he remain his skeptical self or fall prey to the same "magic" that enraptured this man? The Harlequin says of Kurtz, "This man has enlarged my mind"; like Marlow, he finds Kurtz's voice fascinating, shocking, and compelling. The Harlequin
21. Kurtz’s Fiancée Kurtz's fiancée is marked — like the Harlequin — by her absolute devotion to Kurtz. When Marlow visits her after his return from Africa, he finds that she has been dressed in mourning for more than a year and still yearns for information about how her love spent his last days. However, she is actually devoted to an image of Kurtz instead of the man himself: She praises Kurtz's "words" and "example," assuming that these are filled with the nobility of purpose with which Kurtz began his career with the Company. Her devotion is so absolute that Marlow cannot bear to tell her Kurtz's real last words ("The horror! The horror!") and must instead tell her a lie that strengthens her already false impression of Kurtz. On a symbolic level, the Intended is like many Europeans, who wish to believe in the greatness of men like Kurtz without considering the more "dark" and hidden parts of their characters. Like European missionaries, for example, who sometimes hurt the very people they were professing to save, the Intended is a misguided soul whose belief in Marlow's lie reveals her need to cling to a fantasy-version of the what the Europeans (i.e., the Company) are doing in Africa.
22. Kurtz's Native Mistress The Congolese woman that rails against Kurtz's departure is a complete contrast to Kurtz's Intended. As the Intended is innocent and naïve, the native mistress is bold and powerful. Kurtz is a man of many lusts, and she embodies this part of his personality. She frightens the Harlequin because she finds him to be meddling with Kurtz too much; her threats to him eventually scare him into leaving the Inner Station.
23. Fresleven Although he is only mentioned in one section of the novel, Fresleven reflects the power of the jungle on seemingly civilized men. Before he left for Africa, Fresleven was described as a kind and gentle man; after being exposed to the Congo, however, he became savage and was killed in a meaningless quarrel with a native chief. The grass that Marlow saw growing through his bones suggests the power of the jungle over civilized men. Like the Harlequin, Fresleven is presented as one possible outcome for Marlow on his journey up the Congo River.
25. Childhood Joseph Conrad, one of the English language's greatest stylists, was born Teodor Josef KonradNaleczKorzenikowski in Podolia, a province of the Polish Ukraine. Poland had been a Roman Catholic kingdom since 1024, but was invaded, partitioned, and repartitioned throughout the late eighteenth-century by Russia, Prussia, and Austria. At the time of Conrad's birth (December 3, 1857), Poland was one-third of its size before being divided between the three great powers; despite the efforts of nationalists such as Tadeusz Kosciuszko, who led an unsuccessful uprising in 1795, Poland was controlled by other nations and struggled for independence. When Conrad was born, Russia effectively controlled Poland. Conrad's childhood was largely affected by his homeland's struggle for independence. His father, Apollo Korzeniowski, belonged to the szlachta, a hereditary social class comprised of members of the landed gentry; he despised the Russian oppression of his native land. At the time of Conrad's birth, Apollo's land had been seized by the Russian government because of his participation in past uprisings.
26. He and one of Conrad's maternal uncles, Stefan Bobrowski, helped plan an uprising against Russian rule in 1863. Other members of Conrad's family showed similar patriotic convictions: KazimirezBobrowski, another maternal uncle, resigned his commission in the army (controlled by Russia) and was imprisoned, while Robert and Hilary Korzeniowski, two fraternal uncles, also assisted in planning the aforementioned rebellion. (Robert died in 1863 and Hilary was imprisoned and exiled.) All of this political turmoil would prove to be predictably disturbing to young Josef, who could only stand idly by as he watched his family embroiled in such dangerous controversy. The notion of the strong oppressing the weak — and the weak powerless to revolt — surfaces in Heart of Darkness, where the White traders wantonly murder the Congolese in pursuit of riches and power. Conrad's father was also a writer and translator, who composed political tracts, poetry, and satirical plays. His public urgings for Polish freedom, however, eventually caused Russian authorities to arrest and imprison him in 1861; in 1862, his wife (Conrad's mother), Eva, was also arrested and charged with assisting her husband in his anti-Russian activities. The two were sentenced to exile in Vologda, a town in northern Russia. Their exile was a hard and bitter one: Eva died of tuberculosis in 1865 and Apollo died of the same disease in 1869. Conrad, now only twelve years old, was naturally devastated; his own physical health deteriorated and he suffered from a number of lung inflammations and epileptic seizures. His poor health would become a recurring problem throughout the remainder of his life. Poland did not gain independence until 1919, and although patriots such as Apollo were instrumental in this eventual success, their martyrdom left many children (such as Conrad) without parents or hope for their future.
27. Enter the Sailor Times After his father's death, Conrad was returned to Krakow, Poland, where he became a ward of his maternal uncle, Thaddeus Bobrowski. His uncle sent Conrad to school in Krakow and then to Geneva under the guidance of a private tutor. However, Conrad was a poor student; Despite his having studied Greek, Latin, mathematics, and (of course) geography, he never completed the formal courses of study that he was expected to finish. His apathy toward formal education was counterbalanced by the reading he did on his own: During his early teenage years, Conrad read a great deal, particularly translations Charles Dickens' novels and Captain Frederick Marryat, an English novelist who wrote popular adventure yarns about life at sea. (He also read widely in French.)
28. Marryat's novels may have been partly responsible for the sixteen-year-old Conrad's desire to go to sea and travel the world as a merchant marine (an exotic wish for a boy who grew up in a land-locked country); in 1874, his uncle reluctantly granted him permission to leave Poland and travel, by train, to the French port city of Marseille to join the French Merchant Navy. After his arrival, Conrad made three voyages to the West Indies between 1875 and 1878; During this time, he smuggled guns for the Carlists, who were trying to put Carlos de Bourbon on the throne of Spain. In 1878, Conrad suffered from depression, caused in part by gambling debts and his being forbidden to work on any French ships due to his lying about having the proper permits. He made an unsuccessful attempt at suicide, shooting himself through the shoulder and missing his vital organs. (Biographers differ in their interpretations of this attempt: Some contend that Conrad was depressed about his squandering all his money, while others report that the attempt was a ruse designed to put Conrad out of work and thus escape the grasp of creditors.) Later that year, Conrad boarded an English ship that took him to the eastern port-town of Lowestoft; there, he joined the crew of a ship that made six voyages between Lowestoft and Newcastle. During this time, he learned English. Conrad's determination to succeed as a seaman was impressive: Although he began his career as a common sailor, by 1886 he had sailed to the Asia and was made master of his own ship. He then became a British subject and changed his name to Joseph Conrad (partly to avoid having to return to Poland and serve in the Russian military).
29. In 1888, Conrad received his first command of the Otago, a ship harboring in Bangkok whose master had died. Surprisingly, Conrad hated the day-to-day life of a sailor and never owned a boat after becoming famous; The sea, however, offered Conrad the opportunity to make a living. One of Conrad's most important voyages occurred in 1890, when he sailed a steamboat up the Congo River in central Africa. Conrad was attracted to this region partly because of the adventure he thought it could offer him and (perhaps more importantly) because working in the Congo could earn him some much-needed money. During this voyage, Conrad witnessed incredible barbarity, illness, and inhumanity; his recollections of this trip would eventually become the basis of his most famous work, Heart of Darkness. During this time, Conrad was considering turning his seafaring adventures into novels, and he eventually published Almayer's Folly, which he had been composing during the early 1890s in 1895. The success of his first novel lured him away from the sea to his new adventures as an English novelist. He settled in England, married Jessie George (in 1896), and began the career for which the world would remember him best.
30. From Sailor to Author After the publication of Almayer's Folly, Conrad began producing a number of books in rapid succession, many of which featured plots about sailors and travel to explore moral ambiguity and the nature of human identity. The Nigger of the "Narcissus" (1897) concerns a tubercular Black sailor whose impending death affects his fellow crewmen in a number of profound ways. Lord Jim (1900) examines the effects of a cowardly act and how this act's moral repercussions haunt a man until his death. (Lord Jim's story is told by Marlow, the narrator of Heart of Darkness.) In 1902, Conrad published Heart of Darkness, a short novel detailing Marlow's journey into the Belgian Congo — and the metaphorical "heart of darkness" of man. All three books were highly regarded in their time and are still widely read and studied today. In 1904, Nostromo was published; the complex tale of an imaginary South American republic. The effects of greed and foreign exploitation helped to define Conrad's oblique and sometimes difficult narrative style. Although he produced a large body of work, Conrad was often a slow writer who felt the pressure of deadlines and the need to keep writing to keep his family financially solvent. His struggles were eased, however, in 1910, when John Quinn, an American lawyer, bought all of Conrad's manuscripts and awarded him a small pension.
31. Conrad continued writing tales of travel, but also turned his attention to novels of political intrigue. The Secret Agent (1907) concerns a group of anarchists who plan to blow up the Greenwich Observatory; Under Western Eyes (1911), set in nineteenth-century Czarist Russia, follows the life of a student who betrays his friend — the assassin of a government official — to the authorities. His story "The Secret Sharer" (1912) uses the "Doppelganger theme" (where a man meets his figurative double) to examine what Conrad viewed as the shifting nature of human identity and the essential isolation of all human beings. In 1913, Chance was a great success both critically and financially; the novel, like Heart of Darkness, explores the ways in which an innocent person (like Marlow) becomes hardened by the horrors that surround her. Other novels marked by these essential Conradian themes include The Inheritors (cowritten with Ford Maddox Ford, 1901), Victory (1915), and The Shadow-Line (1917). Conrad also turned to autobiography: The Mirror of the Sea (1906), A Personal Record (1912), and Notes on Life and Letters (1921). All treat his seafaring days and development as an artist.
32. His Life Conrad died of heart failure on August 3, 1924. He was buried in Canterbury Cemetery and survived by his wife and sons (Borys and John). Still honored by millions of readers as one of the greatest modern writers, Conrad left behind a large body of work whose nature he defined (in his Preface to The Nigger of the "Narcissus") as "a single-minded attempt to render the highest kind of justice to the visible universe, by bringing to light the truth, manifold and one, underlying its every aspect."