"The horror, the horror." (183)
Conrad uses this quote to symbolize a couple of different things. It shows that Kurtz may have realized that he still had some religion, and believed that he was going to hell. Another way to look at this quote, is to say that Kurtz had finally come to terms with his life. Now in the hands of death, he was able to realize all of the awful and horrible things he had done.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Heads on Stakes (Heart of Darkness)
"Curious this feeling that came over me that such details would be more intolerable than those heads drying on the stakes under Mr. Kurtz's window." (153)
Is Marlow under Kurtz's spell when he tells us that the heads on the stakes are no big deal? Perhaps, but after all the brutal and disbursing things along his journey, Marlow tries to channel it out through humour. Conrad puts in these heads to represent Kurtz's lack of being a civil being. He has been away from civilization for so long that he has forgotten what it is like and transformed more into an animal.
Is Marlow under Kurtz's spell when he tells us that the heads on the stakes are no big deal? Perhaps, but after all the brutal and disbursing things along his journey, Marlow tries to channel it out through humour. Conrad puts in these heads to represent Kurtz's lack of being a civil being. He has been away from civilization for so long that he has forgotten what it is like and transformed more into an animal.
Manager (Heart of Darkness)
"The manager stood by the wheel murmuring confidentially about the necessity of getting well away down the river before the dark events. . ." (142)
The manager is a representation of the Europeans. Conrad makes his main focus managing to stay healthy, instead of trying to be smart and witty. However beyond that his main focus was to gain Ivory.
The manager is a representation of the Europeans. Conrad makes his main focus managing to stay healthy, instead of trying to be smart and witty. However beyond that his main focus was to gain Ivory.
Kurtz is a God (Heart of Darkness)
"'My Intended, my ivory, my station, my river, my----' everything belonged to him." (137)Up to the time of Marlow and his crew's arrival to the Inner station, it is all he can do to not think or speak about Kurtz. Kurtz is somewhat of a god-like symbol in Heart of Darkness. Conrad has Kurtz bring negative emotions to people such as greed (from the Ivory). However, he is so respected by all sorts of people that he has a power like no other.
Cannibalism (Heart of Darkness)
"One of my hungry and forbearing friends was sounding in the bows just below me." (129)
In Heart of Darkness Conrad refers to Marlow's crew being made up of mostly cannibals. However, throughout the whole story, true cannibalism never takes place. The members of the crew were cannibals however in a totally different aspect. Serving more as a metaphor, the crew members are cannibals in the way that they overstep their limits of another human being. This would represent the Europeans overstepping their boundaries towards the natives.
In Heart of Darkness Conrad refers to Marlow's crew being made up of mostly cannibals. However, throughout the whole story, true cannibalism never takes place. The members of the crew were cannibals however in a totally different aspect. Serving more as a metaphor, the crew members are cannibals in the way that they overstep their limits of another human being. This would represent the Europeans overstepping their boundaries towards the natives.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
"Morituri te salutant" (Heart of Darkness)
"Morituri te salutant." (76)
This latin phrase can be translated into: "those who are about to die salute you". Conrad has this spooky quote foreshadow all the death that is about to take place on the journey.
"Ave Caesar morituri te salutant -." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Web. 14 Sept. 2009. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ave_Caesar_morituri_te_salutant.
This latin phrase can be translated into: "those who are about to die salute you". Conrad has this spooky quote foreshadow all the death that is about to take place on the journey.
"Ave Caesar morituri te salutant -." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Web. 14 Sept. 2009. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ave_Caesar_morituri_te_salutant.
Women (Heart of Darkness)
"It's queer how out of touch with truth women are." (78)
Heart of Darkness is a story that is made up of men. However, although women are not really mentioned throughout the novel, the still play a role. For example, if it was not for his Aunt, Marlow may not have ever gotten a job like he received, or not nearly as quickly. Then there are the women knitting black wool. Conrad has them symbolize the journey of life and death. They know more about any individual then the individual may know about themselves. These women are extremely powerful and should be respected by Marlow.
Heart of Darkness is a story that is made up of men. However, although women are not really mentioned throughout the novel, the still play a role. For example, if it was not for his Aunt, Marlow may not have ever gotten a job like he received, or not nearly as quickly. Then there are the women knitting black wool. Conrad has them symbolize the journey of life and death. They know more about any individual then the individual may know about themselves. These women are extremely powerful and should be respected by Marlow.
Fog (Heart of Darkness)
"'We will be all butchered in this fog', murmured another." (123)Fog can be related to darkness, but Conrad makes it into something that is perhaps may be worse. In the darkness nothing can be seen, and it tends to be a set back; For example when they are only eight miles away from Kurtz but they decide to stop because they do not want to go on in the dark. However with fog, it allows to see fragments of information, yet holds back key parts. In Marlow's journey fog is a major obstacle to him and the travel of his steamboat.
http://i.pbase.com/v3/30/605830/2/50947468.Boatinfog.jpg
"An extraordinary find" (Heart of Darkness)
"It was an extraordinary find. Its title was An Inquiry into some Points of Seamanship, by a man Towser, Towson. . ." (119)
Along his journey, Marlow finds a book. Although to most people, finding a book would not be of much interest, Marlow shows that to him, this find is spectacular. At this point in his excursion, he is away from all that is familiar to him and far from a civilized world. When he finds this book, it reminds him of his precious world that he has been away from for so long. This is the reason why Conrad has him keep the book, and hold it dearly.
Along his journey, Marlow finds a book. Although to most people, finding a book would not be of much interest, Marlow shows that to him, this find is spectacular. At this point in his excursion, he is away from all that is familiar to him and far from a civilized world. When he finds this book, it reminds him of his precious world that he has been away from for so long. This is the reason why Conrad has him keep the book, and hold it dearly.
A complicaion of light & dark (Heart of Darkness)
"There was no joy in the brilliance of sunshine." (113)
Conrad makes all previous thoughts of the meaning of light and dark lost in Heart of Darkness. In this novel, black and white is not so simple anymore. Although in the story it focuses more on darkness being a representation of negativity, the meaning behind lightness also starts to intertwine. Joseph Conrad's thoughts are so morbid that he believes the light of sunshine can not even be trusted. For example, Ivory is white. Although it is a precious and valuable thing, it also has a negative effect on people. It drives men insane just to track a bit of it down.
Conrad makes all previous thoughts of the meaning of light and dark lost in Heart of Darkness. In this novel, black and white is not so simple anymore. Although in the story it focuses more on darkness being a representation of negativity, the meaning behind lightness also starts to intertwine. Joseph Conrad's thoughts are so morbid that he believes the light of sunshine can not even be trusted. For example, Ivory is white. Although it is a precious and valuable thing, it also has a negative effect on people. It drives men insane just to track a bit of it down.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Pilgrams (Heart of Darkness)
"It must have made some of the Pilgrims sit up in their hovels."
Throughout the novel, Conrad refers to the men on the ship Pilgrims. A pilgrim can be defined as someone on a spiritual or religious journey. You can also look at Marlow's journey in a religious/spiritual way to. Marlow's journey is spiritual because of the change that he tries to make to the people he encounters in Africa.
"Pilgrim - definition of pilgrim by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia." Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary. Web. 14 Sept. 2009. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/pilgrim.
Throughout the novel, Conrad refers to the men on the ship Pilgrims. A pilgrim can be defined as someone on a spiritual or religious journey. You can also look at Marlow's journey in a religious/spiritual way to. Marlow's journey is spiritual because of the change that he tries to make to the people he encounters in Africa.
"Pilgrim - definition of pilgrim by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia." Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary. Web. 14 Sept. 2009. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/pilgrim.
Eldorado Exploring Expedition (Heart of Darkness)
"'This devoted band called itself the Eldorado Exploring Expedition, and I believe they were sworn to secrecy.'" (107)
Eldorado was never all that it was cracked up to be. Rumour had it that Eldarado was a magical city with large amounts of Gold that could get everyone rich quickly. However, although it was not real, people were still willing to risk their lives for it, just for a chance at that large of a fortune. Conrad relates this to Heart of Darkness in a couple of different ways. One example of course is the ivory. Ivory drove the Europeans as well as the Africans mad in the search of what everybody desired. Also, although this could be a stretch, Eldordo relates to the Europeans trying to force their customs on the Africans. Although they have an idea that it will probably not work, their hopes are so high that the still work to make the Africans more like them.
Eldorado was never all that it was cracked up to be. Rumour had it that Eldarado was a magical city with large amounts of Gold that could get everyone rich quickly. However, although it was not real, people were still willing to risk their lives for it, just for a chance at that large of a fortune. Conrad relates this to Heart of Darkness in a couple of different ways. One example of course is the ivory. Ivory drove the Europeans as well as the Africans mad in the search of what everybody desired. Also, although this could be a stretch, Eldordo relates to the Europeans trying to force their customs on the Africans. Although they have an idea that it will probably not work, their hopes are so high that the still work to make the Africans more like them.
Mephistopheles (Heart of Darkness)
"'I let him run on, this papier-mache Mephistopheles, and it seemed to me that if I tried I could poke my forefinger through him, and would find nothing but a little loose dirt, maybe.'" (100)
Mephistopheles all came to be in the Faust legend where it came to be as a demon. Now Mephistopheles is usually recognized as the devil. Conrad references to the devil appear many times through out Marlow's difficult journey. The reason for this is perhaps because of all the death and poor morals incorporated in the story.
"Mephistopheles -." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Web. 14 Sept. 2009. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mephistopheles.
Mephistopheles all came to be in the Faust legend where it came to be as a demon. Now Mephistopheles is usually recognized as the devil. Conrad references to the devil appear many times through out Marlow's difficult journey. The reason for this is perhaps because of all the death and poor morals incorporated in the story.
"Mephistopheles -." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Web. 14 Sept. 2009. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mephistopheles.
Kurtz's painting (Heart of Darkness)
"I rose. Then noticed a small sketch of oils, on a panel, representing a woman, draped and blind-folded, carrying a lighted torch. The background was sombre- almost black. The movement of the woman was stately, and the effect of the torchlight on the face was sinister." (98)
Kurtz was a man of all trades. A painter, ivory trader, a populist, writer and musician. Conrad has Marlow stumble across one of Kurtz's paintings near the beginning of his journey. In this novel not many women are developed into real characters, and made into idealistic creatures. The women in the painting is obviously not living, showing even more that woman are more of a fantasy creature because they are not included in the story. The torch and the blind-fold come together to bring a piece of symbolism to the painting. The blind-fold is a representation to the "blind" Europeans not knowing what Africa is really like. The torch shows how the Europeans are trying to bring a new chance and more opportunities to Africa.
"Kurtz (Heart of Darkness). Who is Kurtz (Heart of Darkness)? What is Kurtz (Heart of Darkness)? Where is Kurtz (Heart of Darkness)? Definition of Kurtz (Heart of Darkness). Meaning of Kurtz (Heart of Darkness)." Knowledgerush. Web. 14 Sept. 2009. http://www.knowledgerush.com/kr/encyclopedia/Kurtz_(Heart_of_Darkness)/.
Kurtz was a man of all trades. A painter, ivory trader, a populist, writer and musician. Conrad has Marlow stumble across one of Kurtz's paintings near the beginning of his journey. In this novel not many women are developed into real characters, and made into idealistic creatures. The women in the painting is obviously not living, showing even more that woman are more of a fantasy creature because they are not included in the story. The torch and the blind-fold come together to bring a piece of symbolism to the painting. The blind-fold is a representation to the "blind" Europeans not knowing what Africa is really like. The torch shows how the Europeans are trying to bring a new chance and more opportunities to Africa.
"Kurtz (Heart of Darkness). Who is Kurtz (Heart of Darkness)? What is Kurtz (Heart of Darkness)? Where is Kurtz (Heart of Darkness)? Definition of Kurtz (Heart of Darkness). Meaning of Kurtz (Heart of Darkness)." Knowledgerush. Web. 14 Sept. 2009. http://www.knowledgerush.com/kr/encyclopedia/Kurtz_(Heart_of_Darkness)/.
Zanzibaris (Heart of Darkness)
Zanzibar Island was founded in the sixteenth century and used for a Portuguese trading post. The people of Zanzibar were used as mercenaries. Comprised of all ages people of the Zanzibar nation were forced into being soldiers. Conrad has Zanzibars appear throuhout the story.
"Zanzibaris - definition of Zanzibaris by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia." Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary. Web. 14 Sept. 2009. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Zanzibaris.
http://books.google.com/books?id=Ftz_gtO-pngC&pg=PA719&lpg=PA719&dq=Zanzibaris+mercenaries&source=bl&ots=IuzCrjiBlR&sig=50lx0xQVEoJgwQnfYzpuOGAJ4iY&hl=en&ei=s22VSpewLsPIlAeR_v2vDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5#v=onepage&q=&f=false
Flies (Heart of Darkness)
". . . big flies buzzed fiendishly, and did not sting, but stabbed." (88)
Flies appear throughout Marlow's journey countless amount of times. Conrad has flies symbolize death (as do many other things.) Some refer to the devil as "Lord of the Flies" because whenever someones life is ended, flies appear. On the occasion of a slaves death, as well as Kurtz's, Joseph Conrad makes a point to include flies in these scenes.
http://www.westopthebugs.com/images/DrainFlyLg.jpg
Flies appear throughout Marlow's journey countless amount of times. Conrad has flies symbolize death (as do many other things.) Some refer to the devil as "Lord of the Flies" because whenever someones life is ended, flies appear. On the occasion of a slaves death, as well as Kurtz's, Joseph Conrad makes a point to include flies in these scenes.
http://www.westopthebugs.com/images/DrainFlyLg.jpg
Ivory (Heart of Darkness)
"'Everything else in the station was in a muddle- heads, things, buildings. Strings of dusty niggers with splay feet arrived and departed; a stream of manufactured goods, rubbishy cottons, beads, and brass-wire set into the depths of darkness, and in return came a precious trickle of ivory.'" (86)Ivory, found on larger animals such as elephants, whales and hippos has been harvested and used as art forms as well as a handful of other creations for many centuries. In Heart of Darkness becomes somewhat of an obsession to members of the Company. Some of the men got so worked up in gaining Ivory that all other morals and sensibility was lost. Therefore, Conrad makes Ivory a representation of greed.
"What is Ivory?" WiseGEEK: clear answers for common questions. Web. 14 Sept. 2009. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-ivory.htm.
http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/antenna/ivory/images/ivory.jpg
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
White worsted (Heart of Darkness)
"He had tied a bit of white worsted round his neck. . ." (86)White worsted is a European fabric. Some say that this fabric represents the Europeans trying to control the natives. It is somewhat ironic because the native wears the fabric around his neck. This represents the choke hold that the Europeans would like to have over the natives of Africa. Throughout the novel, Conrad is constantly putting in symbolism with double meanings.
"Heart Of Darkness: Symbolism." Market Gems :: Techno-Fundamental Stock Trading Strategies. Web. 14 Sept. 2009. http://www.marketgems.com/heartofdarkness/symbolism.html.
Inferno (Heart of Darkness)
"My purpose was to stroll into the shade for a moment; but no sooner within than it seemed to me I had stepped into the gloomy circle of some Inferno." (85)
The Divine Comedy written by Dante, talks about Inferno. The meaning of Inferno is hell. When Marlow steps into the shade, he feels that he has found this. Countless bodies lying there helplessly and about to die. Once again, Conrad uses the darkness as a representation for death.
"Divine Comedy -." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Web. 14 Sept. 2009. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divine_Comedy.
The Divine Comedy written by Dante, talks about Inferno. The meaning of Inferno is hell. When Marlow steps into the shade, he feels that he has found this. Countless bodies lying there helplessly and about to die. Once again, Conrad uses the darkness as a representation for death.
"Divine Comedy -." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Web. 14 Sept. 2009. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divine_Comedy.
Measure my head? (Heart of Darkness)
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". . . and then with certain eagerness asked me whether I would let him measure my head." (76)Measuring a head size was something that people used to believe measured intelligence. However, this moment tells much more than how smart Marlow is. Marlow has this event foreshadow the madness and danger that Marlow will soon face.
"Intelligence -." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Web. 14 Sept. 2009. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intelligence.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/33/Head-Measurer_of_Tremearne_(front).jpg
The River (Heart of Darkness)
"And the river was there- fascinating- deadly- like a snake." (74) When Conrad compares the river to a snake, not only does he mean it has lots of twists and turns, but it is dangerous. The current of the Congo River makes it extremely difficult to move upstream. Although it takes time, it is possible as is anything else one puts his mind to. In this aspect, the river represents the difficulties of the journey of life.
Fate in the hands of Knitting (Heart of Darkness)
"Two women, one fat and the other slim, sat on straw-bottomed chairs, knitting black wool." (74)
In the end, the knitting women end up to be extremely symbolic. There are three fate's. Two of the the three "spin" life. The two women are a representation of this. The thread they knit represents human life. When it is time for a human to die, the third Fate "cuts the thread". However in Heart of Darkness Conrad does not have a third person symbolize Fate. The color of the wool also has great meaning. While white represents all that is good, black represents what is bad and also death. The black wool foreshadows the rough journey that Marlow is about to make.
"Heart of darkness essays." Mega Essays .com - Over 100,000 essays, essays and term papers available for instant access!! Web. 14 Sept. 2009. http://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/7960.html.
In the end, the knitting women end up to be extremely symbolic. There are three fate's. Two of the the three "spin" life. The two women are a representation of this. The thread they knit represents human life. When it is time for a human to die, the third Fate "cuts the thread". However in Heart of Darkness Conrad does not have a third person symbolize Fate. The color of the wool also has great meaning. While white represents all that is good, black represents what is bad and also death. The black wool foreshadows the rough journey that Marlow is about to make.
"Heart of darkness essays." Mega Essays .com - Over 100,000 essays, essays and term papers available for instant access!! Web. 14 Sept. 2009. http://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/7960.html.
Fleet Street (Heart of Darkness)
"I went on along Fleet Street, but could not shake off the idea." (71)The Fleet Street is located in London, England. This is a place that is known for a large amount of business. Also along this street is some pretty presses for newspapers. The London press can also be referred to as "Fleet Street". Conrad mentioned this because London is said to be a great place in this novel.
"Heart of Darkness: Study and Homework Help: Full Glossary for Heart of Darkness - CliffsNotes." Homework Help and Free Study Guides - CliffsNotes. Web. 14 Sept. 2009. http://www.cliffsnotes.com/WileyCDA/LitNote/Heart-of-Darkness-Study-and-Homework-Help-Full-Glossary-for-Heart-of-Darkness.id-4,pageNum-128.html.
http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/04_05/brit2404_468x345.jpg
Monday, August 24, 2009
Buddha & a Lotus Flower (Heart of Darkness)
". . . he had the pose of a Buddha preaching in European clothes and without a lotus-flower. . ." (69)Throughout the novel Conrad compares Marlow to a Buddha. A Buddha is someone who has achieved enlightenment and a wise man. Whenever Marlow sits down to tell his experiences, he sits in the exact position of Buddha. (This pose is called the lotus-flower: sitting cross legged with arms on knees.)
About Buddha. Web. 14 Sept. 2009. http://www.aboutbuddha.org/.
http://burningbosom.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/buddha3.jpg
Ravenna (Heart of Darkness)
"And perhaps he was cheered by keeping his eye on a chance of promotion to the fleet at Revenna. . ." (68)
Revenna is located in northern Italy which is now inland. This is is the chief naval base for the Romans.This base has a long history. It was used for US soldiers in World War I.
http://books.google.com/books?id=OzIRDbARyWIC&pg=PA2&lpg=PA2&dq=ravenna+naval+base+italy&source=bl&ots=0xSqds97cz&sig=g2A_upg2qJFAx1fKvXlGJLt4qKg&hl=en&ei=mQeTSoSaEdSGlAfG4IG3DA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4#v=onepage&q=ravenna%20naval%20base%20italy&f=false
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/27/97040405_9d78f4a4ea.jpg
Gauls (Heart of Darkness)
". . . ordered suddenly to the north; run over land across the Gauls in a hurry;. . ." (67)The Gauls were a great group of people back in ancient Europe. The Greeks and Romans feared them greatly and considered them to be barbaric. In 390 B.C. the Gauls and Romans had a dispute over land. In the end the Gauls sacked Rome. Some question if it were not for this event if there would be a Roman Empire today. Conrad may have referenced the Gauls to foreshadow the African natives who were greatly feared by the Europeans.
"390 BC The Gauls sack and burn Rome [Archive] - Alternate History Discussion Board." AlternateHistory.com. Web. 14 Sept. 2009. http://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/archive/index.php/t-42742.html.
http://www.ancientweb.org/images/france/Gauls_color.jpg
Darkness (Heart of Darkness)
"'And this also,' said Marlow suddenly, 'has been one of the dark places on the earth.'" (66)
In this novel, darkness means much more than just having the lights off. However darkness can mean many different things, and these are just a few that relate to this book:
"Characterized by gloom"
"Difficult to understand"
"Obscure"
"Lacking knowledge and power"
(http://www.thefreedictionary.com/darkness)
Darkness can also mean being incapable of seeing (in a deeper sense). For example, what this means is being incapable of being able to understand another person. Darkness is what lies deep under the layers of a person beneath all of the outside distractions. Throughout the book Conrad always associates darkness to negative events and ideas.
"Darkness - definition of darkness by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia." Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary. Web. 14 Sept. 2009. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/darkness.
"NovelGuide: Heart of Darkness: Metaphor Analysis." Novelguide: Free Study Guides, Free Book Summaries, Free Book Notes, & More. Web. 14 Sept. 2009. http://www.novelguide.com/heartofdarkness/metaphoranalysis.html.
In this novel, darkness means much more than just having the lights off. However darkness can mean many different things, and these are just a few that relate to this book:
"Characterized by gloom"
"Difficult to understand"
"Obscure"
"Lacking knowledge and power"
(http://www.thefreedictionary.com/darkness)
Darkness can also mean being incapable of seeing (in a deeper sense). For example, what this means is being incapable of being able to understand another person. Darkness is what lies deep under the layers of a person beneath all of the outside distractions. Throughout the book Conrad always associates darkness to negative events and ideas.
"Darkness - definition of darkness by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia." Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary. Web. 14 Sept. 2009. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/darkness.
"NovelGuide: Heart of Darkness: Metaphor Analysis." Novelguide: Free Study Guides, Free Book Summaries, Free Book Notes, & More. Web. 14 Sept. 2009. http://www.novelguide.com/heartofdarkness/metaphoranalysis.html.
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