1. Heart of Darkness Introduction to the novella

2. Fold your paper so there are 8 squares Heart of Darkness Joseph Conrad Congo – Imperialism Frame Story / Impressionism Main Characters Civilization/Savagery Light/Dark Women

3. Heart of Darkness Novella Published in 3 installments in 1899 Setting: London, England; Brussels, Belgium; 4 locations in Congo, Africa **google earth tour after powerpoint

4. Joseph Conrad Family was exiled to Siberia when father was arrested for working for Polish Independence Parents died; sent to uncle Wanted a life at sea Saw what was going on in the Congo and wanted to do something about it

5. Congo - Imperialism Extending a country’s power King Leopold of Belgium positioned himself to OWN the Congo Over 12-13 years, Leopold killed an estimated 10-20 Million Congolese

6. Frame Story / Impressionism [ external {Marlow (interruption) } ]narrator Impressionist writing: Intentionally ambiguous- reader must arrive at own conclusion Description while events are occuring (may seem unclear like watching in slow motion) Setting description evokes emotional responses Get full picture by “standing back” – not get lost in details when looking too closely Focus on HOW & WHY- not chronological

7. Main Characters Marlow – narrates the story of Kurtz Kurtz – manager of an inland trading station in the Congo District Manager – does not like Kurtz Russian Traveler – admirer of Kurtz Kurtz’s fiancé (The Intended) – seemingly a pure and noble soul

8. Civilization/Savagery According to the Belgians, they are civilized and the natives are savage. Will this hold true throughout the book?

9. Light/Dark Pay attention to how many times we see a contrast between light and dark. 1 st dialogue = “And this also,” said Marlow suddenly, “has been one of the dark places of the earth.”

10. Women The Aunt The Knitting Women (minor, but important) The Mistress The Intended

11. Discussion Time

12. Let’s agree on a few ground rules: – Be respectful – Do not have to convince others you are right – Use appropriate language – Do not offend – Think critically about what you say and what is being said

13. To what extent does society determine moral correctness?

14. At which point does society have the right to intervene when I am doing what I believe to be morally correct?

15. Do we, as humans, need others around us who will hold us accountable to what has been deemed morally correct?

16. It has been said that character is what is shown by what we do when no one is around. To what extent is this true?

17. Purpose??? Page 42 … after a long silence, when he said, in a hesitating voice, “I suppose you fellows remember I did once turn fresh-water sailor for a bit,” that we knew we were fated, before the ebb began to run, to hear about one of Marlow’s inconclusive experiences.” Lets you know you will need to make your own conclusion… so look for evidence!