Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Minor Characters Major Influences

Two major characters in Heart of Darkness are Marlow and Kurtz.  Other minor characters also serve to give meaning to the text as a whole. In part one, we are introduced to the accountant, the manager, the brick maker, the first class agent, and the aunt.  Clearly the main action surrounds Marlow and Kurtz; however, the minor characters also serve to help illuminate the meaning of the work as a whole.  Choose one or two of these characters and tell how he or she provides meaning to the work.  What does this character help to contribute to the work?

Role of Women in Heart of Darkness

Women are rarely mentioned in the text.  Marlow goes so far as to say, "It's queer how out of touch with truth women are. They live in a world of their own, and there has never been anything like it, and never can be. It is too beautiful altogether, and if they were to set it up it would go to pieces before the first sunset. Some confounded fact we men have been living contentedly with ever since the day of creation would start up and knock the whole thing over." (1)  The only women mentioned are the aunt, the “knitting” women, and the personified pronoun in reference to the sailing vessels Marlow mentions.  It seems clear that Marlow believes women to be powerless; however he is reliant upon them to pursue his dream.  
At the Central Station Marlow, “noticed a small sketch in oils, on a panel, representing a woman, draped and blindfolded, carrying a lighted torch. The background was sombre--almost black. The movement of the woman was stately, and the effect of the torchlight on the face was sinister.” (1)  What is the possible meaning of this important symbol?  Look to analyze the specifics of the painting that are mentioned.  What might this painting foreshadow about Marlow’s eventual meeting with Mr. Kurtz?

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Heart of Darkness Journey to Moral Discovery

A big idea from the text to consider is that the deepest of men's secrets lie within the heart.  Part one of Heart of Darkness begins with Marlow's journey on this path of what Conrad called a "moral discovery".  This beginning is important to remember when we read the end of the story, because we need to know where Marlow came from and how this journey impacted him as a man. 

Characterization is important to understanding the story.  In what ways are the Africans characterized? The Europeans? Is this characterization degrading or demeaning?  When looking at the characters try to determine how each character's ambition clouds his judgement?  Are these men colonizing or conquering? Is there a difference?

Remember the archetypes!  Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and yes, Heart of Darkness all share common archetypal features.  What do you notice about the archetypes as you read?  Remember the "whited sepulchre".  Are all the archetypes true to their meaning?  Notice specifically light and darkness. 

As always, please share your own observations about the text. Happy Reading!

Monday, September 12, 2011

Style and Structure in "The Lagoon"

As you read Joseph Conrad’s short story “The Lagoon” pay special attention to the writing style of the author.  Notice the way Conrad uses descriptive imagery to set the mood for this piece.  Also notice how the setting of the story seems to be reflected in the morals and values of the characters in the story.
Conrad is known for using a narrative technique in which he has a story being told within a story.  Is there a benefit to this type of narration?  Did this cause confusion? 
Pay attention to language and word choice in the text; do you think Conrad’s bias contributes to a reader’s bias in the reading. 
Lastly, as you read the introduction, it is stated that Conrad’s main characters and readers arrive at a “moral discovery” at the climax of the writing.  Describe what you think the moral discovery is in “The Lagoon”. 

Please post any comments or questions you have about the story as you read.  Posts should be about one paragraph in length and should show the quality of work expected in an AP course.