Heart of Darkness Group at eNotes

First, you have to identify your theme. Was one discussed/provided in...

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 06:12:06 PST

First, you have to identify your theme. Was one discussed/provided in class? If not, decide on one "big idea" that you see manifested in the text. Love, Death, Ignorance, Respect, etc. are big ideas (not necessarily from HOD, though. You have to find your own!). Then decide what Conrad is saying about the "big idea" you have chosen. Once you know that, you have your theme. Then, choose a literary technique. Conrad uses imagery,...

When with classify a person or group as "other", we define ourselves in...

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:49:56 PST

When with classify a person or group as "other", we define ourselves in opposition to that person or group. In other words, we believe that the Other is what we are not. So, if we truly see a person or a group as an Other, we do not believe that we can understand the group/person, or that we have anything in common with the group/person. What does Marlowe say about the residents of the Congo that indicates this type of belief? How can...

How do the techniques of Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad able us to...

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:08:10 PST

How do the techniques of Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad able us to understand the theme?

It's been while, since I read Heart of Darkness, but there are many...

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:59:43 PST

It's been while, since I read Heart of Darkness, but there are many things that can be said as to how Europe could be a dark place. The setting of the work takes place in the 1890's. This was also the time of colonialism and imperialism. Just that fact alone can make Europe a dark place. The idea that one can go into another country and exploit it makes Europe a dark place. More to the point, the idea that one man can "own" or take control of...

How can civilized nations of Europe also be viewed as "dark places"?

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:37:29 PST

How can civilized nations of Europe also be viewed as "dark places"?

In Heart Of Darkness, Marlow changes in the sense that he moves towards...

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:03:04 PST

In Heart Of Darkness, Marlow changes in the sense that he moves towards self,whilst moving towards the centre of earth, taking on a whole new perspective as he does so. His character develops as he is able , on his voyage on the sea, to perceive himself and the whole of society with a sharper clarity than he has envisaged it before. The infinite blackness or dark at the earth's heart throws all this into relief for him, the 'scales fall from...

[Heart of Darkness] How does Marlow CHANGE throughout his journey?

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:16:01 PST

[Heart of Darkness] How does Marlow CHANGE throughout his journey?

There are many themes in Conrad's work. The idea of exposing what lies...

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:47:45 PST

There are many themes in Conrad's work. The idea of exposing what lies beneath the veneer of order and calm is a very compelling one. Kurtz is seen as pillar of control and "civilization" prior to his descent into the Congo. Once immersed, though, he gives into his "darker" nature through the use of violence, cruelty, and absolute "horror." The reflection of what lies beneath the surface seems to be a very strong indictment of European...

One of the primary themes of the novel is exemplified in its title: the...

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:40:24 PST

One of the primary themes of the novel is exemplified in its title: the darkness of the human heart. Marlow's journey into the heart of Africa gives him the opportunity to learn much about human nature, and Conrad offers a number of themes. Foremost, however, among them seems to be man's capacity for evil. From the onset of his arrival in Africa, Marlow is shocked to see the chaos and cruelty of the Outer Station where work seems to serve no...

What is the theme of the story Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad? How...

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:15:25 PST

What is the theme of the story Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad? How can I find symbols in Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad?

The main point of the novel Heart of Darkness is otherness. How did...

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:17:08 PST

The main point of the novel Heart of Darkness is otherness. How did Marlow deal with this subject?

On page 40 the original narrator points out that Marlow is not a typical...

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:36:13 PST

On page 40 the original narrator points out that Marlow is not a typical seaman, in what way is he different from others who "follow he sea"?

Heart of Darkness: analyzing the language

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:39:11 PST

In ch.2, Marlow starts to imagine himself through the eyes of the cannibals, from "Why in the name of all the gnawing devils..." to "...behind the blind whiteness of the fog."

The language here can be viewed as at times explicitly racist and at other times as more ambiguous.

So, I'd like to get some point-outs about this passage's significance and possible points to start my analysis of its language used by Conrad.

what does marlow say that motivates and rules the young russian?

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:31:55 PST

what does marlow say that motivates and rules the young russian?

How are the Natives in Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" more civil...

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:40:50 PST

How are the Natives in Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" more civil than the people trying to civilize them?

Marlow's Feelings for Kurtz

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 21:04:16 PST

How do you think Marlow felt about Kurtz? Explain on what part of the novella you are basing your answer.

Compare and Contrast the views on imperialism as revealed in the excerpt...

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 09:21:42 PST

Compare and Contrast the views on imperialism as revealed in the excerpt from "Heart of Darkness" and the essay "Shooting an Elephant"

In general, he's not condescending towards Africans. Marlow has...

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 21:09:00 PST

In general, he's not condescending towards Africans. Marlow has traveled the world and recognizes the difference between a people being technologically advanced and morally advanced. He starts off his tale with the story of the Romans coming to Britain as a comparison to Europeans in Africa, in which he calls the Britons savages. On the trip to the Congo, he notes which group of people belong there and which don't. He scoff's at his...

Marlow's biggest challenge has to do with the "changes on the inside". ...

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 19:40:59 PST

Marlow's biggest challenge has to do with the "changes on the inside". He was warned of these by the doctor in the Company's offices. He recognizes these changes occurring during his trek to the Central Station, and then at the Central Station, he throws himself into work because that's what shows a man's true worth to himself. This fight against this change culminates when Marlow is at the brink of killing Kurtz. Marlow recognizes...

In heart of Darkness what are Marlow’s challenges, which of these are...

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:30:28 PST

In heart of Darkness what are Marlow’s challenges, which of these are his greatest challenge?