A Voice! A Voice! The Horror! The Horror! (for Friday's reading -Oct. 18 - due by Sunday night!)

A Voice! A Voice! The Horror! The Horror!

Kurtz at last materializes and ceases to be more than just a voice to Marlow.  How is this "atrocious phantom" a foil to the Russian?  The natives? Marlow?  What seems real about him? Unreal?  And most importantly, what do the last words of this man - "The horror! The horror!" mean to you? (Choose a couple of these for your response - you don't have to answer EVERY question).

"The White's Man's Burden"

What is the meaning of "The White Man's Burden" by Rudyard Kipling, and how does this poem connect to Kurtz, Marlow, the "pilgrims," and the natives/Europeans?

Reaction To Death

What do you make of Marlow's reaction to the Helsman's death?  And what about Marlow's fear that Kurtz, too, is dead?  I'm leaving this fairly open ended, but I DO think it's important for you to reference the text.  While some of you have SUPERB answers, others have rather vague responses (these don't receive full credit!).

The Landscape

Analyze Conrad's description of the landscape as Marlow voyages "deeper and deeper into the heart of darkness" (31).  What does the diction reveal?  What seems to be the tone of these passages that discuss the landscape?  How does the landscape take on qualities of an actual character?

Scramble for Africa

The Scramble for Africa (1800-1900): Research the factors that led to this & explain why this rush occurred.  Rank the causes from most significant to least significant based on what you think motivates a country to become involved in foreign exploration/colonization.  Check out the various links below to help you with this:

Scramble for Africa #1

Scramble for Africa #2

Scramble for Africa #3

King Leopald II #1
King Leopald II #2

Examine the two cartoons depicting King Leopold II and his influence on the Congo.  How does this affect the "darkness" of the region into which Marlowe is about to embark?

Reading Conrad's Heart of Darkness will require some deep thinking and insightful discussion, and this is the forum to do just that.  Each night of reading will require a post on here.  You will need to respond to 2 of your classmates responses, as well.  This way, you are not only thinking on your own but also responding to others' thinking.