1. Obsequiously:
Pages 115-116: "The wastes of his weary brain were haunted by shadowy images now - images of wealth and fame revolving obsequiously round his unextinguishable gift of noble and lofty expression."
2. The Russian tells Marlow of his time with Kurtz, including the hot and cold periods. While Kurtz was ill, the Russian nursed him back to health, but Kurtz would periodically go through stages where he was violent and angry, even threatening to shoot the Russian over a small amount of ivory. Marlow also notices the heads of "rebels" stuck on the top of fence posts around the station. The Russian remains firm on his stance that Kurtz is a great man who opened his mind to many things, however, and says that he should not be judged as a normal man. He then tells Marlow that Kurtz is extremely ill and needs to return to civilization as soon as possible. Kurtz is then brought to the ship on a stretcher, causing the natives to run from the forest in uproar. Kurtz speaks to them and they hesitatingly retreat. An intricately ornamented native woman watches the steamer pull away, and Marlow learns that the woman is Kurtz's mistress. The manager talks to Marlow, indicating his belief that Kurtz is mentally unstable, and Marlow defends Kurtz, isolating himself in the process. The Russian begs Marlow to uphold Kurtz's reputation and Marlow agrees, a promise that he has upheld until the time of the storytelling. One night Marlow wakes up and Kurtz is gone. Marlow goes searching for him and catches him crawling toward a native camp. He frantically stops Kurtz before he can yell. On the return trip, Marlow and Kurtz spend a large amount of time together due to their mutual banishment. The ship breaks down once, and the voyage is rough, causing both Marlow and Kurtz to doubt their safe return. Kurtz gives Marlow a stack of paper for "safekeeping" before dying one night, exclaiming, "The horror! The horror!" in the process. When Marlow arrives back in Brussels he is very ill. His aunt nurses him back to health, and one day a Company worker comes to take Kurtz's papers. Marlow only gives him a pamphlet, but later others come and Marlow gives them various papers. Finally, Marlow delivers the rest to Kurtz's "Intended," who is still in mourning and seems to be obsessed with the idea of her relationship with Kurtz. She asks Marlow what his last words were, and Marlow lies and tells her Kurtz uttered her name last.
3. This final section of the novel brought up a plethora of interesting points and concepts. First, the idea of Kurtz not being insane, but choosing one of two evils intrigued me greatly. Marlow maintains that Kurtz justly saw that there were two ways to live life as a white Imperialist: by pretending to be civilized, non-violent and good, or by admitting that nobody is truly civilized and embracing this idea. Kurtz chose the latter, leading to his severe disapproval from the other Company members. Marlow sees this, though, and finds it brilliant. Men are not meant to civilize one another, and it is utterly ridiculous to assume that because white Europeans were civilized by the Romans a mere 2,000 years ago, they are capable and have the right to civilize others. Another aspect of this section that I enjoyed thinking about was the way females were depicted. Kurtz's African mistress is treated as an object, yet she seems similar to white women. Her behavior toward Kurtz is typical of that of a white woman in a relationship, and her ornaments and lavish jewelry suggest a vanity often pictured in only "civilized" cultures. This brings up the question of whether Kurtz somehow passed this onto her, or whether all women, civilized and noncivilized, are more alike than given credit for. Also, Kurtz's "Intended" is an unusual character. She is portrayed as irrational in her obsession over Kurtz, going so far as to be in a state of mourning a year after his death. When Marlow enters her home she immediately latches onto the opportunity to talk to him, similarly to her beloved Kurtz. Also, she seems to enjoy validifying her relationship with Kurtz, looking to compete with Marlow in every way, trying to prove that "she knew him better than anyone." Marlow was not instigating an arguement; he did not try to say that he knew Kurtz better. However, everything is a competition for her, which I found strange. Kurtz's last words were fascinating as well. They were profound, yet entirely lacking meaning. "The horror! The horror!" could be applied to nearly anything in life, yet these eloquent words seem only fitting to a man as bold and in-touch with himself as Kurtz. He saw deeper into human nature than anyone else in the novel; undoubtedly deeper than most individuals ever see in reality, as well. What he saw surely scared him, but also enlightened him. Nobody, not even Marlow or Kurtz's "Intended," could ever grasp wholly what Kurtz was referring to in his final statement (although his "Intended" never learned his true last words).
4. My first question is what exactly Kurtz's final remarks referred to. Was he talking about humanity? His life? The "heart of darkness"? I know they were probably chosen so vaguely for a reason, but I'd really like to know.
My second question is whether Joseph Conrad, the author, was a bit of a sexist. The way he portrays women in the novel makes me question whether he respected them at all. He mentions at one point that they seem to exist in another world entirely. Was this in a sexist way, or did he just see them as incomparable to men?
My final question is regarding the night Kurtz tried to slip away to the tribal bonfire. What were his intentions? Was he going to join the natives and refuse to leave? Was he going to provoke an attack?
Showing posts with label heart of darkness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label heart of darkness. Show all posts
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
2 Heart of Darkness
1. Peroration: 1 : the concluding part of a discourse and especially an oration
2 : a highly rhetorical speech
-Merriam-Webster Online.
Page 84: "The peroration was magnificent, though difficult to remember, you know."
2. Marlow recounts overhearing two men discoursing over Kurtz, namely about Kurtz's intentions with the station and his supposed illness. They then speak of hanging another trader, and Marlow leaps up in surprise, frightening the men and ending their conversation. Marlow's ship, with the help of "cannibals," who are ironically very considerate people, continues its journey toward Kurtz's station. Eventually the boat comes across an abandoned hut along the river bank. The hut contains a stack of wood with a sign warning of danger ahead and a book that fascinates Marlow because of its "cryptic" messages. While docked, awaiting the morning to avoid the alleged danger, a tribe of savages surrounds the ship. The whites are horrified but the cannibals are eager, hoping to eat the natives. Marlow's men are ready to attack as the savages send arrows hoping to dispell the whites, but Marlow sounds the horn and the natives scatter. The only loss in the attack is the helmsman, whom Marlow feels a sudden fond attachment to. Marlow then breaks off in his storytelling to explain the strange possession Kurtz seemed to feel over everything ranging from ivory to his "Intended," his name for his fiance. He also notes Kurtz's desire to not only civilize the natives, but exterminate them. Marlow then resumes his story, telling of his crew's belief that Kurtz must be dead after the attack. When they finally reach the station, Marlow speaks with a Russian trader, to whom the mysterious book belonged. It turns out that the "codes" were actually Russian notes, and the Russian babbles on about the wondrous Kurtz.
3. This section in particular seems to illuminate the irony and idiocracy of Imperialism. Throughout the journey, the pilgrims (the white men) seem to be the unrefined, opening fire on the first battle cry they hear from the banks and proving to be rough, forceful men. The cannibals, on the other hand, are civil and respectful. They do not complain when their hippo meat is thrown overboard, even though it means that they have no food for the rest of the journey. They make no attempt to kill and/or eat any of the pilgrims or even each other, even though the temptation must have been great. It strikes me as completely absurd that the men seeking to civilize the others should actually themselves be civilized. Once again, this idea invokes the question of who has the right to judge others. What may seem enlightened to one society may seem barbaric to another, but that does not mean it cannot be right. Also, I thought the way Marlow seemed to pass off responsibility in this section was interesting. He says that Kurtz is but a voice, highly persuasive and influential, yet he uses this to justify his fascination with the man. Likewise, when the Russian speaks highly of Kurtz, making him out to be a genius and even proclaiming, "this man has enlarged my mind," (page 91), Marlow makes it seem like the Russian is a gullible fool who has understandably fallen for Kurtz's clever tricks. This idea of a lack of responsibility parallels the lack of responsibility taken by whites in Imperialism. When natives' lives were destroyed, it was said to be for the "good of the cause." When death, calamity, disease and horror were brought to the previously peaceful tribes and villages, the blame was shifted toward the altruistic goals of the white enlighteners. There was no acceptance of mistakes and no guilt or remorse. This, I believe, is the beginning of the idea of a "heart of darkness."
4. My first question is whether Kurtz is truly near death. It has been rumored many times but is yet to be substantiated. If he dies, will Marlow take over?
My second question is whether the Russian will be shown to be insane. He seems flamboyant and merry, but also a bit off of his rocker. His admiration for Kurtz is unusual as well. He blindly accepts the man, obvious flaws and all. Is he crazy or just delusional?
My final question is how Kurtz will handle being forced to return from his station. It has already been documented that he abandoned a ship in order to remain at his station, isolated; will he go without a fight, or will he put up a resistance in order to maintain dignity and power?
2 : a highly rhetorical speech
-Merriam-Webster Online.
Page 84: "The peroration was magnificent, though difficult to remember, you know."
2. Marlow recounts overhearing two men discoursing over Kurtz, namely about Kurtz's intentions with the station and his supposed illness. They then speak of hanging another trader, and Marlow leaps up in surprise, frightening the men and ending their conversation. Marlow's ship, with the help of "cannibals," who are ironically very considerate people, continues its journey toward Kurtz's station. Eventually the boat comes across an abandoned hut along the river bank. The hut contains a stack of wood with a sign warning of danger ahead and a book that fascinates Marlow because of its "cryptic" messages. While docked, awaiting the morning to avoid the alleged danger, a tribe of savages surrounds the ship. The whites are horrified but the cannibals are eager, hoping to eat the natives. Marlow's men are ready to attack as the savages send arrows hoping to dispell the whites, but Marlow sounds the horn and the natives scatter. The only loss in the attack is the helmsman, whom Marlow feels a sudden fond attachment to. Marlow then breaks off in his storytelling to explain the strange possession Kurtz seemed to feel over everything ranging from ivory to his "Intended," his name for his fiance. He also notes Kurtz's desire to not only civilize the natives, but exterminate them. Marlow then resumes his story, telling of his crew's belief that Kurtz must be dead after the attack. When they finally reach the station, Marlow speaks with a Russian trader, to whom the mysterious book belonged. It turns out that the "codes" were actually Russian notes, and the Russian babbles on about the wondrous Kurtz.
3. This section in particular seems to illuminate the irony and idiocracy of Imperialism. Throughout the journey, the pilgrims (the white men) seem to be the unrefined, opening fire on the first battle cry they hear from the banks and proving to be rough, forceful men. The cannibals, on the other hand, are civil and respectful. They do not complain when their hippo meat is thrown overboard, even though it means that they have no food for the rest of the journey. They make no attempt to kill and/or eat any of the pilgrims or even each other, even though the temptation must have been great. It strikes me as completely absurd that the men seeking to civilize the others should actually themselves be civilized. Once again, this idea invokes the question of who has the right to judge others. What may seem enlightened to one society may seem barbaric to another, but that does not mean it cannot be right. Also, I thought the way Marlow seemed to pass off responsibility in this section was interesting. He says that Kurtz is but a voice, highly persuasive and influential, yet he uses this to justify his fascination with the man. Likewise, when the Russian speaks highly of Kurtz, making him out to be a genius and even proclaiming, "this man has enlarged my mind," (page 91), Marlow makes it seem like the Russian is a gullible fool who has understandably fallen for Kurtz's clever tricks. This idea of a lack of responsibility parallels the lack of responsibility taken by whites in Imperialism. When natives' lives were destroyed, it was said to be for the "good of the cause." When death, calamity, disease and horror were brought to the previously peaceful tribes and villages, the blame was shifted toward the altruistic goals of the white enlighteners. There was no acceptance of mistakes and no guilt or remorse. This, I believe, is the beginning of the idea of a "heart of darkness."
4. My first question is whether Kurtz is truly near death. It has been rumored many times but is yet to be substantiated. If he dies, will Marlow take over?
My second question is whether the Russian will be shown to be insane. He seems flamboyant and merry, but also a bit off of his rocker. His admiration for Kurtz is unusual as well. He blindly accepts the man, obvious flaws and all. Is he crazy or just delusional?
My final question is how Kurtz will handle being forced to return from his station. It has already been documented that he abandoned a ship in order to remain at his station, isolated; will he go without a fight, or will he put up a resistance in order to maintain dignity and power?
Sunday, December 6, 2009
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?
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?
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