Throughout the reading of this text, there are many elements that I want you to notice. You've already received this list on the sheet entitled "As you read Heart of Darkness." Your blog for each night of reading should consist of a discussion of where you see some of these elements in your reading assignment. Rather than just listing the occurrences, though, you should detail your thoughts on what Conrad is saying. You don't need to write about every single item that you notice; limit yourself to those you find the most interesting.
1. Specific details that point to the futility of the European presence in Africa.
2. Every time there is a shift between the unnamed narrator and Marlow as narrator.
3. Examples where Conrad uses the symbolism of black and white, and whether he is using it in the "traditional" sense or if he is using white to symbolize evil and black to symbolize good.
4. References to people, places, or objects and how they SEEM to be. This is the conflict of illusion vs. reality.
5. References to work or labor.
6. Points either for or against the interpretation of this novel as a racist text.
7. Imagery--brightness, gloom, isolation, madness, disease, sterility, physical decomposition, diabolism, and violent death.
Thoughts on Ethan's Poem
14 years ago
