1 Heart of Darkness

1. Diaphanous: 1. very sheer and light; almost completely transparent or translucent.
2. delicately hazy.
-Dictionary.com

"The water shone pacifically; the sky, without a speck, was a benign immensity of unstained light; the very mist on the Essex marsh was like a gauzy and radiant fabric, hung from the wooded rises in land, and draping the low shores in diaphanous folds."


2. The story unfolds on the Nellie, with an unnamed narrator telling the story told by Marlow. In his tale Marlow recounts his time as a sailor going up the Congo. As a child he was fascinated by the "white space" on maps: the unexplored and untamed land. He secured a position with a trading company and sent to Africa to captain a boat. Marlow's predecessor was killed in a quarrel with a tribe, and Marlow later found his bones in the center of the abandoned village. He then tells of his visit to the doctor, and how there were two women dressed in all black knitting in the waiting room. The doctor had a grim disposition, solemnly informing Marlow of the "changes" that took place in the heads of those who ventured to Africa. Marlow's aunt speaks highly of her newphew, putting him on a pedestal that he rejects because of his understanding of the moral bankrupcy of the company, which operates solely for profit. Upon arrival at the station, Marlow sees starving black prisoners and laborers. He offers a biscuit to one as an act of kindness and pity. Other white workers speak highly of Mr. Kurtz, a highly esteemed agent of the company, and Marlow's curiosity grows significantly. Marlow and his band of laborers set off for the next station, but upon arrival find that their boat has sunk. He has no choice but to wait for new parts to come in order to fix his sunken vessel.


3. One of the things that really struck me about the first section of this book is the acceptance of death shown by the characters. While it seems that Marlow does not want to die, he certainly does not show much emotion when faced with the death of others. He tells of finding his predecessor's bones in an almost exhilarated fashion: "I couldn't let it rest, though; but when an opportunity offered at last to meet my predecessor, the grass growing through his ribs was tall enough to hide his bones... the supernatural being had not been touched after he fell." (Page 13, Part 1). He seems almost excited by the idea of finding these preserved bones, where most would have been frightened to fill the post of the murdered man. Numerous other times Marlow encounters death on his journey, but he seems to mention it as a side note. However, Marlow shows much more emotion toward mortality than his comrades: the other captains and white men seem to have absolutely no concern over the idea of death. I suppose this would come with being exposed to death constantly, but I cannot imagine seeing death frequently enough to be able to treat it as such a trivial matter. Also, I was intrigued by Marlow's seemingly inconsistent views on Imperialism. While at times he seems repulsed by the treatment of the "laborers," he is also very much willing to venture to Africa and lead the blacks himself. He seems torn in the aspect of whether it is right to colonize the people, yet he never attempts to change the situation (with the exception of the time he gives the biscuit to the starving African). He becomes angry with his aunt for believing the company has humanity in its intentions, yet he goes to Africa regardless. It appears to me that Marlow is not only uncertain on his stance regarding Imperialism: I believe he is uncertain in respect to himself, as well. He says that he longs to explore the "white" space; could this desire for exploration symbolize his longing to discover himself as well? Or, on a larger scale, to gain a better understanding of mankind?


4. My first question is whether "Heart of Darkness" refers to the blackness, or evil nature, of white men in Imperialism. As we talked about in class, just because someone is "pure" and "white" on the outside does not signify moral excellence and cleanliness. However, I can see other ways that "Heart of Darkness" could be implied as well.

My second question is regarding Kurtz. Who is he? Why does he have so much prestige? He is held in such high esteem by the other workers, almost worshipped. Is he truly a remarkable man, or is he unjustly adored?

My final question from Section 1 is whether Marlow will ever take a definite stance on Imperialism. Is he against it? Is he for it? Does he support the "robbery" of these people's customs, or is he appalled by it? Will he act on his decision?