Jesse Galkowski & Ryan Ellis

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad Conrad was born in Russia, 1857; he died in He wrote stories and novels, “predominantly with a nautical setting, that depicted the heroism of faith before the imperatives of duty, social responsibility and honor. Writing during the apex of the British Empire, Conrad drew upon his experiences serving in the French and later the British Merchant Navy to create novels and short stories that reflected aspects of a worldwide empire while also plumbing the depths of the human soul.” - Wikipedia

Opposing Forces in the Conflict Man Vs. Man: It comes down to Marlow and Kurtz outwitting each other. Marlow and his crew vs. Kurtz and his “savages” Man Vs. Self: Marlow must fight against his urges to give in to the evil within himself. By the time Kurtz is finally introduced he has lost the battle within himself and succumbed to his inner darkness Man Vs. Nature: Marlow must not give in to the dark and evil urges that the jungle puts forth

Important Places, Symbols The River "resembles an immense snake uncoiled" Snakes offer temptation such as with Adam and Eve London- where Marlow goes to see Kurtz’ wife, he saves her husband’s reputation in this meeting. Marlow tells Kurtz’ wife that the last words he spoke was her name, in truth they were, “The horror, the horror!” Ivory- the ivory symbolizes greed and the destructive nature of man, raping the continent of its natural wealth The Knitting Women- these women represented the Fates of Greek Mythology, Conrad uses the two women knitting black wool as foreshadowing for Marlow’s horrific journey into the interior of the Congo Flies symbolize death The painting (woman with the torch)- Shows the contrast of dark and light, a theme Marlow will encounter in the Congo.

Setting Late part of the nineteenth century Opens on the Thames River outside London. Events of the story take place in Brussels, at the Company's offices, and in the Congo. Also some events occur in a Belgian territory.

Villain “Kurtz is a man of many talents—we learn, among other things, that he is a gifted musician and a fine painter—the chief of which are his charisma and his ability to lead men. Kurtz is a man who understands the power of words, and his writings are marked by an eloquence that obscures their horrifying message.” “The fascination of the abomination… The growing of regrets, the longing to escape, the powerless disgust, the surrender, the hate.” page 8

Importance of Narrator and Relationships Marlow, the director of companies, is sitting on a steam boat recalling his adventures in the Congo. He is telling this story to a few men who hang on every word of his gripping tale of greed, savagery, and the depths of the human soul. “He resembled an idol.” “We felt meditative.” Just how far can one go into… The Heart of Darkness?

Human Values, Alienation, and Cultures at odds “At night sometimes the roll of drums… would run up… over our heads. Whether it meant war, peace, or prayer, we could not tell.” page 58 Of the natives: “They were dying slowly- it was very clear. They were not enemies, they were not criminals, they were nothing earthly now- nothing but black shadows of disease and starvation, lying confusedly in the greenish gloom.” Page 26

Parallels and Contrasts The journey on the river/ the journey into the heart of darkness Marlow’s attitude towards savages/ Kurtz embracing and manipulation of the culture. White men/ Black men “Black shapes crouched… Clinging to the earth… In all the attitudes of pain, abandonment, and despair.” Page 26

DIDLS & SOAPS Elevated language A plethora of dark and dismal imagery Extensive detail Stylistically, the entire book is composed of Marlow’s account of his journey (dialogue) Vernacular is pragmatic

Works Cited ess/symbolism.htmlhttp:// ess/symbolism.html device/literature/joseph-conrad/heart-of- darkness/setting.htmlhttp:// device/literature/joseph-conrad/heart-of- darkness/setting.html literary-analysis-heart-of-darkness-by- joseph-conradhttp:// literary-analysis-heart-of-darkness-by- joseph-conrad Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad