Heart of DarknessReading this book for the second time, was a little bit of a struggle for me. It is not a favorite book of mine, but it is one of the most memorable books I have ever read. Long after you finish reading it, years from now, you will still think about it. I chose to read it in this class because it is a very important piece of literature. It was written to serve as the conscious to England during a time when it was building an empire around the world. As a consequence of its quest to assert its influence in new places, Africa and Asia primarily, the natives were victimized. The African author Chinua Achebe says that Heart of Darkness justifies racism, I disagree, but he makes another interesting point. “Africa is to Europe as the picture is to Dorian Gray – a carrier onto whom the master unloads his physical and moral deformities so that he may go forward, erect and immaculate.” Having just read The Picture of Dorian Gray, I’m sure that statement really strikes you. It is a keen observation and very true. Europe raped Africa in quest of wealth. The result was a beautiful and wealthy Europe, while Africa was enslaved. I think Heart of Darkness does a good job of showing the depravity of those extracting wealth from the continent. You will notice the inhumane ways the natives were treated by the Europeans. In preparation for this book read about the author, Joseph Conrad, and what inspired him to write it. The question to keep in mind while reading is, what group of people is truly civilized?
Your comprehension questions are below. Answer the questions in bold and then choose three additional questions. Enjoy the book!
Chapter 1
1. Marlow compares the Romans and their conquest of England to Europe’s colonization of Africa. Is this an accurate comparison?
2. What do you think of Marlow’s assertion that, “‘And this also (England)’, said Marlow suddenly, ‘has been one of the dark places of the earth’”?
3. “The conquest of the earth, which mostly means the taking it away from those who have a different complexion or slightly flatter noses than ourselves, is not a pretty thing when you look into it too much. What redeems it is the idea only.” Is this statement true, and why would Marlow feel this way after his experience in Africa? Does this also show Europe’s belief that “the ends justify the means?”
4. When we first encounter the natives, what are they doing?
5. What is it about the accountant that impresses Marlow?
6. At this point, what do we know about Kurtz? What is the mystery surrounding him?
Chapter 2
7. What is the purpose of Marlow calling the other Europeans “pilgrims”?
8. Do you see any similarities between the natives and the Europeans?
9. How did they pay the cannibals for their work? What does this say about how things are run and how natives are treated?
10. Does the story so far have a dream like quality? What makes this story feel unreal?
11. Why is it important that, “All Europe contributed to the making of Kurtz: and by-and-by I learned that, most appropriately the International Society for the Suppression of Savage Customs had entrusted him with the making of a report, for its future guidance”? Clearly, Kurtz is participating in these “savage customs” for his own gain. What have we learned of the character of Kurtz?
12. Why are the natives upset about Kurtz leaving?
Chapter 3
13. What are the methods Kurtz is using to extract so much ivory from the region?
14. How would you feel returning to civilization after an experience like Marlow had?
15. Why was Marlow unable to tell Kurtz’s intended the truth about him? Why does he feel a sense of loyalty towards Kurtz?
Do not forget to fill out your reading journal!
7 comments:
Chapter 1
3. “The conquest of the earth, which mostly means the taking it away from those who have a different complexion or slightly flatter noses than ourselves, is not a pretty thing when you look into it too much. What redeems it is the idea only.” Is this statement true, and why would Marlow feel this way after his experience in Africa? Does this also show Europe’s belief that “the ends justify the means?” I find this statement to be false. Even after seeing the enslavement of the natives, he still feels the ends will justify the means. Marlow doesn’t seem to be cruel, just partially removed from the predicament of the enslaved people as evidenced by him offering the dying native slave a biscuit. From his point of view, Africa yielded many riches, although this was achieved by enslaving the populace. That is why he said “not a pretty thing when you look into it too much.” Europe definitely seemed to have the mentality that these foreign lands owed them everything. It was there for the taking regardless of what happened along the way. Therefore Europe barged into the affairs of other nations, like an uninvited dinner guest.
4. When we first encounter the natives, what are they doing? Six native slaves connected by iron collars at the neck were carrying baskets full of dirt balanced on their heads. Their demeanor expresses a deep sadness from within their hearts. They appear to have just given up any idea of a good and fair life.
5. What is it about the accountant that impresses Marlow? What struck Marlow most about the manager were his stealthy eyes and the feeling of uneasiness he sensed when in his presence. Marlow felt as though this stranger could not be totally trusted. The accountant also had little knowledge for the job he was responsible for.
6. At this point, what do we know about Kurtz? What is the mystery surrounding him? Rumor has it that Kurtz is a sort of genius who is expected to climb in rank over time. He is widely respected and people expect big things to come of his life. After finishing the book it became apparent to me that Europe had no idea of his activities in the jungle.
Chapter 2
9. How did they pay the cannibals for their work? What does this say about how things are run and how natives are treated? They weekly pay the cannibals three pieces of brass wire about nine inches long in order to buy provisions from the river-side villages. In general the cannibal people seem hungry and without many provisions. To some degree the cannibals appear to be treated unfairly. I don’t understand why England did not try to modernize these natives. England could have sent missionaries to help the tribes out.
11. Why is it important that, “All Europe contributed to the making of Kurtz: and by-and-by I learned that, most appropriately the International Society for the Suppression of Savage Customs had entrusted him with the making of a report, for its future guidance”? Clearly, Kurtz is participating in these “savage customs” for his own gain. What have we learned of the character of Kurtz? The reason it is important that Europe contributed to the making of Kurtz may be because Kurtz reflects Europe’s ideals. Kurtz seems to be very interested in collecting ivory through distorted practices. He has chosen to immerse himself into the wild culture of the natives and uses them for his gain. The natives were so taken with him, they placed Kurtz in high positions where he manipulated them into giving him ivory. Kurtz is a stealthy character who only looks after his own interests.
Chapter 3
14. How would you feel returning to civilization after an experience like Marlow had? I would most likely not feel in touch with reality. The impact of the previous events might have rendered normal civilization a little odd.
15. Why was Marlow unable to tell Kurtz’s intended the truth about him? Why does he feel a sense of loyalty towards Kurtz? The Russian guy asks Marlow to keep the criminal type activities of Kurtz secret. Finally Marlow gives in promising to keep the truth from being known in Europe. I think Marlow feels a loyalty towards Kurtz because he is a brother seaman whatever that means.
Chapter 1
3. “The conquest of the earth, which mostly means the taking it away from those who have a different complexion or slightly flatter noses than ourselves, is not a pretty thing when you look into it too much. What redeems it is the idea only.” Is this statement true, and why would Marlow feel this way after his experience in Africa? Does this also show Europe’s belief that “the ends justify the means?”
This statement is false. I don't think that Marlow really understands the torture the natives are going through. I think that he chooses to ignore the brutality of slavery and only focuses on the final outcome.
4. "When we first encounter the natives, what are they doing?"
There are six natives chained in an iron collar. They are carrying baskets that are filled with dirt. They seem to have give up reason to live, and are completing their worldly tasks while waiting to die.
6. "At this point, what do we know about Kurtz? What is the mystery surrounding him?"
We know that he has some sort of illness. He is an ambitious idealist. The manager and brickmaker seem to fear Kurtz as a threat to their position.
Chapter 2
7. "What is the purpose of Marlow calling the other Europeans 'pilgrims'?"
Marlow calls the other Europeans 'pilgrims' because of the long staffs they always carried.
9. "How did they pay the cannibals for their work? What does this say about how things are run and how natives are treated?"
They were compensated for their labor with three pieces of brass wire. They used this to acquire provisions from nearby villages. This meager pay shows that the administration cared little or nothing for the cannibal slaves. They only paid them so that they would not die.
11. "Why is it important that, 'All Europe contributed to the making of Kurtz: and by-and-by I learned that, most appropriately the International Society for the Suppression of Savage Customs had entrusted him with the making of a report, for its future guidance'? Clearly, Kurtz is participating in these “savage customs” for his own gain. What have we learned of the character of Kurtz?"
Kurtz is in this for his own gain. Although he is reflective of Europe's ideals, his desire for riches sometimes overcomes. He is taking advantage of the natives, and tricking them into giving him ivory.
Chapter 3
14. "How would you feel returning to civilization after an experience like Marlow had?"
The foreigners are invading the homeland! We can no longer tolerate this blatant affront to our culture and tradition! We shall snap their necks like dogs that cannot be made obedient!
After returning from such a journey, I believe that I would be shocked with reality. The luxuries that are found in civilization are nowhere to be found where Marlow had spent years. I also think that I would be surprised at the justice that is usually upholded in civilization.
15. "Why was Marlow unable to tell Kurtz’s intended the truth about him? Why does he feel a sense of loyalty towards Kurtz?"
Marlow is asked specifically not to tell the people in Europe about the atrocities that Kurtz committed. I think Marlow felt a sense of loyalty to Kurtz because they shared a similar mindset.
Daniel,
Great comments. I think your statement that Marlow was not cruel, just emotionally removed from the plight of the native is very good! He felt bad for them, yet did nothing to make changes. I am glad you noticed the sadness in the natives, I think Conrad did a good job of portraying this. Marlow was most impressed by the accountants white clothes. He was a vision of lean white, in the midst of darkness and filth. Kurtz is very much a mystery isn't he? People are baffled by his ability to collect so much ivory. You are right that he is regarded as a genius, therefore his competitors fear him. It is a mystery as to why the Europeans in Africa did not come up with better ways to treat the natives, but part of the answer is racism. White people did view Africans as being sub-human, thus they did not take care of their human needs, such as food and medical attention. The fact that they paid them with wire shows this. They were supposed to buy their own provisions from river-side villages, but as we can see, there are NO river-side villages. This shows an utter lack of regard for the needs of the natives. Great answer on question 11! Everything you said was right on. The one thing I would add is that it is important that all of Europe contributed to the making of Kurtz, because he represents the entire continent. If Conrad had made Kurtz British, then it could be said that only Britain did these horrible things. But no, Conrad makes it very clear that all of Europe is guilty of these crimes. The evil is not just French, or Dutch, or German, it is humanity.
You are right that civilization would seem odd, after experiencing what Marlow did. Imagine being back in Europe and seeing people worried about the clothes they are going to wear, the food they are going to eat, and what people are saying about them. All the while knowing that people are being enslaved and killed in order to afford Europeans the lifestyle they are used to. It would make one question what reality really is. Is Europe reality, or just a dream world we have created for ourselves? This can easily be translated to our time. Is America really reality? Around the world people are living on a dollar a day, being abused by the wealthy and the powerful. They are unable to own land, to go to school. 20 million people are enslaved today. That is reality, not the easy life we have created for ourselves. Check out http://www.infoplease.com/spot/slavery1.html
It is really hard to understand why Marlow is loyal to Kurtz. Kurtz has done nothing for Marlow to earn his loyalty. The reason I think M is loyal to K is because M realized that we are all K. We may to be in the jungle manipulated the natives, but through their (natives) enslavement we are able to have the goods we want. You hit on this with the observation that K and M do have something in common, being seamen.
Really great comments Daniel! You have made some great observations. Please tell me how you liked the book by leaving a comment here! Thanks, I'm curious how it compared to Dorian Gray.
Book Journal
1. Title: Heart of Darkness
2. Author: Joseph Conrad
3. Main Characters: Kurtz, Marlow
4. A few sentences describing the character traits of each of the people you listed above.
Kurtz is the chief of the station. He is very influential to the people in his life, and is determined to extract as much ivory as possible.
Marlow is philosophical, independent-minded, and is skeptical of those around him. Although Marlow shares many of his fellow Europeans’ prejudices, I think he is trying to find his own viewpoints.
5. Theme of the Book: attempted redemption.
6. Summary of the Plot: Marlow is telling a story of his journey up the congo river to meet Kurtz. He takes a job as a riverboat captain. Throughout the book, he is telling the crew about his adventures there.
7. Moral Dilemma: Should Marlow tell Europe about the atrocities that Kurtz committed?
8. "What kind of a response did you feel towards to moral dilemma? What was your response towards the characters actions?" I felt like he should tell the world about Kurtz, but i think Marlow made the right decision by keeping it a secret.
9. "What did you think of the plot? The writing style?" The plot was rather boring, but Conrad's descriptive writing style made it more fun to read.
10. What was your overall impression of the book?
I thought, how the heck did the crew sit though his whole story! It must have taken at least a couple days. But story was kind of interesting and it was interesting to learn about that time period in Africa.
11. Write down memorable lines or quotes from the book.
In answer to your question I liked the Picture of Dorian Gray a little more than "The Heart of Darkness." The writing style was confusing at times and difficult to track with. Dorian Gray had it's moments but not as many as "Heart of Darkness". The one thing that I did enjoy more in this book was the subject matter. "The Heart of Darkness" is an adventure story whereas Dorian Gray is like a documentary on Dorian's life. The book focusus solely on a young man who is living in a civilized city where nothing new happens. The whole story is about his internal struggles.
Overall the main reason I liked Dorian Gray more was because of the writing style itself. Not because of the subject matter or story line.
Kevin,
Good job on your Journal, I like your last observation about the other people listening to the story. From the description in the book, it sounds like they listened through the night. Once the story is finished, they noticed that they have missed the tide, and they now have to wait again. I'm sure Marlow told them another story:) I agree about the plot, there are times that it drags, but Conrad does have a talent with words. Did you know that English was one of, I think, six languages that he spoke? It was not his first language either, but he wrote it in English. Very intelligent person!
You made some good observations in your answer's to the questions. Marlow is oddly, not appalled at the way the natives are treated, but he seems to have pity for them. He does point out the ridiculous way they are treated though. The story of how the cannibals are paid is one of those times. They are supposed to buy food along the way, but there are no villages. Why a white man would run the risk of cannibals getting hungry, is beyond me. But think of the danger of that. This goes to show you the way the whites thought themselves superior.
Conrad chooses his words well, so it is no mistake that he calls the other Europeans "Pilgrims." The definition of pilgrim is, 1. A religious devotee who journeys to a shrine or sacred place.
2. One who embarks on a quest for something conceived of as sacred.
Kurtz is the holy grail in this story. Conrad is painting this as a spiritual journey, just as much as a physical one. And he is right too, it is a spiritual journey into the dark places of the human soul. Kurtz is the holy grail, but a very different one then they expected. He is evil through and through. This ties into the fact that Conrad goes into a long speech about Kurtz being created by Europe. This is important, because C wants it to be clear that this evil is in everyone. This is not limited to just British people, or French people, etc. All of Europe made Kurtz the way he is. In other words, "All of Europe is to blame for what Africa has become."
This is a difficult book to understand. Sometimes it is hard to grasp what Conrad is actually saying, and the book has such a dream like quality, it is hard to tell if it is real. In many ways I wonder if Conrad was trying to portray it as a dream/nightmare. Please be sure to read my response to Daniel, I think it will further shine light on this book. Great job!!
Thank you Daniel for explaining how the book compared to Dorian Gray. I do like Wilde's style of writing more than Conrad. Both books are very memorable, and you will see them referred to in other literature, in movies and in articles. They are hugely influential books, and you are a more educated person for having read them. Good job for jumping in!
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