Heart of Darkness Group

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judythatsme
judythatsme
Student
College - Junior

What are Conrad's references to women? What role do they play in "Heart of Darkness"?

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Posted by judythatsme on Wednesday November 5, 2008 at 6:43 PM and tagged with conrad, heart of darkness, role, women.

Answers:

  1. morrol
    morrol Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    References to women are limited in "Heart of Darkness". The most pervasive reference is to Marlow's "Intended". She is never given a name, which is significant because it limits the female character from having an identity.

    A second reference to women occurs at the beginning of the novella when Marlow arrives at the office and is greeted by two ugly older women dressed in black, knitting. The description of these women is not positive, and Marlow later remembers them in their hideousness. 

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/darkness/characters
    http://www.enotes.com/darkness/essays-criticism
    http://www.enotes.com/darkness/themes

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    Posted by morrol on Thursday November 6, 2008 at 9:42 AM