1. HoD: Part I, Pages 17-30 Describe Marlow.
Briefly describe what happened that allowed Marlow to be appointed “skipper of a river steamboat.
Think about how the river is repeatedly described, and how Marlow described himself in relation to it (p.22). Why this figurative language? What point is being made?
What are some other ways Conrad constructs a sense of foreboding about the river and Marlow’s trip there?
What aspects of color and light did you notice as you read? Give a specific example and explain any possible symbolism.
Focus on how the natives are described. How does this sit with you?

2. HoD: Part I, Pages 31-46
The chain gang described in the first half of part one was quite a shock to Marlow… so much so that he “turned and descended to the left” in an effort to avoid having to look at them. Briefly describe two other encounters Marlow has with the natives throughout this section and analyze his reaction.
How is Kurtz beginning to be characterized?
In what way does the General Manager “inspire uneasiness” in Marlow?
Rivets. They are mentioned at least ten times on page 43 alone and then continue to be mentioned on pages 44, 45, and 46. What are rivets? What are they used for? Why does Marlow need them so badly? Can you speak yet to the possible symbolism of Rivets?

3. HoD: Part II, Pages 46-57
What does the manager’s conversation with his uncle reveal about his attitude towards Kurtz?
What does Marlow do for the first time?
What does the manager say a station should be for?
What one thing is Marlow looking forward to?
How does Marlow feel about the jungle as he travels up the river?
Who else in on the steamboat with Marlow?

4. HoD: Part II, Pages 46-57
How does Marlow feel about the natives when he hears the “roll of drums behind the curtain of trees”? (p. 50)
What does Marlow mean when he says the fireman was an “improved specimen?”
What does Marlow see when the sun rises?
What does he then hear?
How do the African members of the crew react to the sound?
Why does Marlow not listen to the manager’s suggestion about “going on at once.”?

5. HoD: Part II, pages 58-70
Why does Marlow not think the natives will attack?
He reveals they actually did attack, but what does he say was the motivation behind it? (p.58)
How does he feel about the native helmsman? (p.59)
How do the natives attack?
Why does the helmsman stop steering? What happens to him?

6. HoD: Part II, pages 58-70 How does Marlow stop the attack?
When Marlow finally met Kurtz, who did Kurtz talk about?
How does Marlow say Kurtz felt about the things around him?
Which portion of Kurtz’s letter stands out to Marlow the most? What can we infer from it?

7. HoD: Part III, pages 70-82
What does Marlow consider to be the biggest danger for the young Russian?
What impression does Marlow have of the jungle at this point?
How has the Russian helped Kurtz?
Why did the tribe help Kurtz as he “raided the country?”
What does the anecdote about the Russian’s ivory reveal about Kurtz?
What reason does the Russian have for saying that Kurtz cannot be mad.

8. HoD: Part III, pages 70-82
What surprises Marlow as he looks through his binoculars?
What does this ^^ suggest about Kurtz?
What does Marlow find harder to accept than the heads on stakes?
Why were those men beheaded? How does Marlow feel about this?
How does the Russian say Kurtz has been treated?
How is Kurtz presented when he finally appears?
What impression does Marlow have of the woman who appears?

9. HoD: Part III, pages 70-82
What does Kurtz think is the manager’s priority?
Although there is a lot of ivory, what complaints does the manager have?
Why is the Russian man concerned about Kurtz’s reputation?
What does he reveal about the attack on Marlow’s boat?
How do the natives respond to Kurtz leaving the station?
What does Marlow discover on the boat?
Why does Kurtz leave a wide trail through the grass?

10. HoD: Part III, pages 70-82
What two things does Marlow get mixed up? How is this a deeply significant and symbolic moment?
What does Marlow see by the fire?
What does Kurtz say as he pleads with Marlow?
Why does Marlow find it so difficult to convince Kurtz to return to the boat?

11. HoD: Part III, pages 83 – the end
Who does Marlow see again when back on the boat? What does she not do? Why?
26. Why does Marlow blow the whistle? How is this a significant moment?
What does Kurtz talk about on the boat?
What does Kurtz give Marlow?
What does Marlow notice about Kurtz just before he dies?
What are Kurtz’s last words? What is he referring to?
Why doesn’t Marlow go to see Kurtz’s body?
Why does he say “Kurtz was a remarkable man?”
How does Marlow feel about the people around him when he returns to the city?

12. HoD: Part III, pages 83 – the end
What effect have Marlow’s experiences had on him?
What does Kurtz’s Intended think should survive of her fiancé?
Who does she remind Kurtz of?
What does the Intended ask Marlow?
What is his reply?