This paper discusses the role that images of nature play in three novels of clashing cultures: Tayeb Salih's 'Seasons of Migrations to the North', David Malouf's 'Remembering Babylon', and Joseph Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness'.
Abstract This essay discusses the following three novels: Tayeb Salih's 'Seasons of Migrations to the North', David Malouf's 'Remembering Babylon', and Joseph Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness' . All of these novels reveal the shadow side of the human soul, the dark, forbidden side that most of us don?t want to admit exists and show how it manifests in relationship to the unknown. When humans come into contact with something other than that which they know well, they often react out of fear which springs from the depths of their own hidden inner selves. Joseph Conrad's The Heart of Darkness is the classic on this theme to which the other two are compared. In these novels human life is represented as a duality hovering between light and darkness. All three writers use nature extensively to symbolize this duality. In these books most often nature is evil and dark, though now and then we catch a glimpse of beauty and light.
From the Paper "This study will explore the role that images of nature play in three novels of cultural conflict. Tayeb Salih's Seasons of Migrations to the North, and David Malouf's Remembering Babylon, will be discussed using Conrad's Heart of Darkness as the standard by which all such works are measured.In addition to being about clashing cultures, these novels are about the shadow side of the human soul, the dark, forbidden side that most of us don?t want to admit exists and how it manifests in relationship to the unknown. When humans come into contact with something other than that which they know well, they often react out of fear which springs from the depths of their own hidden inner selves. Joseph Conrad's The Heart of Darkness is the classic on this theme. In these novels human life is represented as a duality hovering between light and darkness. All three writers use nature extensively to symbolize this duality. In these books most often nature is evil and dark, though now and then we catch a glimpse of beauty and light."
Abstract This paper briefly summarizes the plot of "Heart of Darkness" and then delves into the more complicated aspects of the main characters in the story. The paper discusses the portrayal of Marlow as one who sees himself as superior to both the Congo natives and to Kurtz, the man he sets out to save. It also looks at the irony in this perspective. Also examined is the characterization of Kurtz as a man who has set himself up like a god for those whom he rules over. Additionally, the paper includes a review of the critique of "Heart of Darkness" by African author, Chinua Achebe, and a look at the different opinions on whether Conrad was or was not a racist. The paper concludes with a discussion on the similarity between both characters, which is demonstrated by their feelings of superiority, whether it is cultural superiority or personal superiority.
From the Paper "Joseph Conrad's short novel Heart of Darkness is superficially a story about one man, named Kurtz, who devolves into a savage-like king during his residence in the Congo. However, the novella is really about the evolving relationship between the first-person narrator, a man named Marlow, and his point of view of Kurtz. The novella is truly a novel of shifting perceptions of these two men's different characters, rather than a series of direct contrasts between good and evil. Marlow's perceptions of the supposedly barbaric Kurtz shift and change, as to the reader's own perceptions of Marlow as a reliable narrator."
Abstract The paper describes Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness;" a famous short story that tells the story of a sailor recounting what happened years before, on a trip into the Congo in Africa. This paper looks at the narrative style of the story-within-a-story and how it is used, as well as the overall meaning of the story and the relationship between darkness and madness.
From the Paper "Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" is a tale within a tale, one for dark nights and lost souls. The story is remarkable in a number of ways, but the two that will be focused on are the narrative structure and meaning imparted in the story, which are closely entwined with each other and the imagery used. The fact that this is a narrative within a narrative is significant because it leads the reader to question the validity of one of these "yarns of seamen" which the exterior tale's narrator alludes to, but mostly forces us to look more closely at how the story is told (Conrad 68.)"
Abstract This paper anaylzes the central passage in Joseph Conrad's novella, "Heart of Darkness", from the scene between Marlow and Kurtz that takes place on the river-boat just prior to Kurtz's death. It is a highly dramatic scene, and one that is open to differing interpretations. The paper attempts to analyze what Marlow believed drove Kurtz to cry out the words, "The horror! The horror! ".
Abstract This paper discusses how Conrad's plot revolves around the disintegration of Marlowe's high flung theories about colonialism when he sees the cruelty his government has imparted on the African people. In 'Heart of Darkness', the colonial objectives of the British are also thematic through these insular points of view. Conrad writes on how the English perceive the African in their travels to Africa.
From the Paper " In this literary analysis of the Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad the basis of British perspectives on colonialism will be brought forth in Africa. The theme of this novel reflects the horror of colonialism, and the ruthless nature of governments that are presented through a British point of view. In relation to this the theme of colonialism, the character of Marlow in the novel reflect youthful and naive rejection of British imperial design. In essence, the theme of colonialism and Marlowe's rebellion against colonial principles will be analyzed within this study. For the author Joseph Conrad, the character Marlow is a young man that must learn that high ideals are colonial principles through experience, not through politically correct ideologies and literary propaganda. "
Abstract The paper explores the role of race in police use of force. The paper explains what is necessary force vs. excessive force and discusses the conditions under which excessive force is permissible. The paper also discusses police attitudes toward African Americans and other minorities.
From the Paper "Few people would argue about the statement that police officers have a tough job. Law enforcement officers must deal with some of the worst problems in our society. Police also have a significant amount of discretion and power which some abuse. Critics of police abuse suggest that one of the most effective tools for dealing with police abuse of power is the existence of an independent watchdog agency empowered to handle citizen complaints and armed with enough power to publish its findings and enforce its recommendations."
Tags: The, role, of, race, in, police, use, of, force
Abstract This paper explains that, in his short story, "The Use of Force", William Carlos Williams examines the justifiable application of physical force. The author points out that all of the doctor's respect appears to go to Mathilda, the "damned little brat", who had the spunk and courage to resist him all along. The paper concludes that even an apparently mild-mannered country doctor can enjoy the passionate feeling of having a strong opponent and admire the resistance.
From the Paper "The narrator inquires about a sore throat and both parents explain that the child says "her throat don't hurt her." The slightly exasperated doctor wonders if they have actually looked and discovers that they have not. Mathilda will not cooperate, though, and the doctor tries to reason with her. Attempting lamely to help, the mother says, "Come on, do what he tells you to, he won't hurt you." The doctor is disgusted that the mother used the word "hurt" and he says "I ground my teeth in disgust" at the parents bungling attempts."
Abstract The author of this paper analyzes the argument on force vs. persuasion between Thrasymachus and Socrates in Book I of Plato's "The Republic". The author shows that as their arguments escalate and change focus, Socrates ends up the victor. However his victory is somewhat marred by the very tool he uses to secure it "persuasion."
From the Paper "The evaluation of force or persuasion as a more successful means of achieving one's objectives is manifested in the intense discussions between Thrasymachus and Socrates. Thrasymachus believes that "justice is nothing else than the interest of the stronger." (202) He attempts to impress this upon the group. Socrates wishes to prove his statement wrong but knows that making a blatant statement to the contrary would provoke Thrasymachus' ire rather than prove his point so Socrates decides to employ the art of persuasion in refuting Thrasymachus' statement."
Abstract This paper examines how the African Union (AU) recognizes the right and duty of intervention in cases of war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity and how, with the creation of the African Standby Force (ASF), the AU will have both the authority and a vehicle for intervention. This paper aims to discuss both the positive and negative aspects of the ASF, as well as describe the structure and the possible alternatives for the planned implementation.
From the Paper "Territorial disputes, armed ethnic conflicts, civil wars, and the collapse of governmental authority in some states are some of the biggest threats to international peace and stability (Kent and Malan, 2003). In many cases, such threats require a quick response from a group of well-trained, well-equipped military, police and civilian experts. They must be both willing to establish a secure environment in which peace can be built, and also have a mandate and resources to protect civilians against armed conflict."
Tags: intervention, genocide, peace, keeping, forces, nato
Abstract This paper discusses the Soviet phenomenon of forcing prisoners to confess, staging legal trials and finally executing the prisoner, regardless of his confession. Arthur Koestler's book, ?Darkness at Noon? is examined, ilustrating the insights provided by the author, into the logic of forcing confessions. The paper presents the scenario of how the state gains the confessions and uses them to undermine the cause of the dissidents.
From the Paper "One aspect of confessions is to implicate a person in a plot against the state. For example, the authorities are able to get a prisoner to use his confession against Rubashov. Ivanov explains to Rubashov, ?I told you. We have proofs. To be more exact: confessions. To be still more exact: the confession of the man who was actually to commit the attempt [to kill No. 1] on your instigation (90).? Later the reader finds out that the confessor is the son of an acquaintance of Rubashov. The confessor has been tortured over time until he will say whatever the authorities want him to say. The goal is to break down one person so they will supply information about another. Elements of truth in the information cause the accused to question there own memory of the setting. These doubts weaken the accused's own recollection of what really happened."
Abstract This paper discusses how in contrast to the pleasant and romantic world depicted in "She Walks in Beauty", Byron illustrates a dark, cold, and hopeless world in "Darkness". It analyzes how "Darkness" is an elaborately detailed poem that remains a testament to Byron's flexibility as a poet. By considering the personal and external forces at work in Byron's life at the time, it attempts to understand how he could so masterfully create a world that was full of despair and so far removed from the world he illustrated in "She Walks Like Beauty".
From the Paper "In addition, Byron's poem "Darkness," written in 1816 after a volcanic eruption temporarily altered the world's weather patterns. "Byron seems not only a poet of his past and present, but of our terrifying future glimpsed by Thomasina as well" (Cox). This is verified in Robock's account of volcanic eruptions (Robock) In fact, Robock goes on to explain that he believes that the first fifteen lines of the poem deal specifically with the effects of what the eruption (or a similar one) would produce. In addition, Mary Shelley's novel, Frankenstein, speaks of the gloomy weather that persisted for days as well. (Shelly xxii). This is particularly fascinating as I consider what message Byron must have been trying to convey in ?Darkness.? It is also important to note that Byron was going through a separation with his wife at this time, which could partially explain Byron's desolate picture of the future. Due to growing rumors and constant hounding by the press, Byron fled England. (Martin 209)."
Abstract In Joseph Conrad's novella, "Heart of Darkness", Conrad displays the power and colonizing effect that the white people have over the racial 'others'. It explains how, in the so-called 'heart of darkness', which is not only the jungle, but a concept that forces one to examine one's own, dark sense of self, Kurtz feels the need to colonize the primitive natives. It shows how, in doing so, Kurtz realizes he is unable to change this uncivilized culture and ends up becoming part of it, realizing his worst nightmare.
From the Paper "Historically, the natives of Africa have been mistreated by the whites which is part of the reason for their violent and uncivilized ways. When Conrad is speaking of the Europeans he refers to them as ?hunters for gold or pursuers of fame, they had gone out on that stream bearing the sword.?(Conrad, 137). In this passage Conrad is establishing his definition of the white people in Africa as pilgrims. Conrad refers to the whites as pilgrims because it seems as though they have had their way in colonizing and ruling over the natives much like the first time the pilgrims came to America. A pilgrim can be defined as one who travels to a very sacred or religious place. These pilgrims may indeed have travelled to a very religious place but the main object of their pilgrimage was to colonize the natives and gain wealth through the quest for ivory. These examples basically show the readers that the natives had restraint while the whites did not."
Abstract This paper discusses how Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" and Rudyard Kipling's "Kim" are in essence descriptions of what happens when Europeans attempt to force their cultural values on other countries. The paper contends that both stories have something important and valid to say and that even though they place their characters as the speakers, the authors' voices are also heard in these pieces. The paper also examines how Rudyard Kipling's book is much milder and less cautionary than Joseph Conrad's and how Kipling's Kim is a character that takes on many characteristics of both sides, the British and the Indian. On the other hand, Kurtz, in "Heart of Darkness" absolutely shows the reader the horrors and evils that colonialism inflicts on the colonized.
From the Paper "Rudyard Kipling's novel Kim presents two sides of colonialism in the British rule of India, but the British side is presumed right as much as Kipling did not want to be labeled racist. In this novel, the white man has the burden of ruling the dark and therefore inferior races. Kipling wrote this novel at a time when British rule was, in fact, being questioned. As Mistry says in a critique, "These characters enable Kipling to explore the way colonialism defined its own social boundaries and Kipling uses this to show how native mentality and British supremacy often came into confrontation. (Mistry). These two forces are in conflict as Kipling writes the book. "
Abstract The paper comments that although "Dubliners" by James Joyce is a collection of short stories that reads like novel because the characters and situations all come together and relate the same story, the main theme is the spiritual and political paralysis of a nation. The paper then explores how this theme is presented in the book and how the paralysis experienced by those in "Dubliners" is both personal and national.
From the Paper "The paralysis of Dublin also extends to the Church which acts as both a paralysing force and is itself in a state of paralysis. Indeed none of the priests in Dubliners are portrayed favourably: In "Araby" the priest who had formerly lived in the house had left it littered with papers, left his rusty bicycle pump outside, and had left his sister nothing but his furniture in his will. Fr. Keon in "Ivy Day in the Committee Room" is referred to as "a black sheep" and though he belongs to no "chapel or church or institution" he is quite "thick" with the politicians and financially does quite all right although no one is sure how. Even Fr. Purdon, whose ascent to the pulpit literally entails a struggle (173), gets his name from Purdon Street, which in Dublin makes up part of the red-light district. These unflattering portrayals of the clergy exemplify the corruption of the Church and its resulting paralysis."
Tags: corruption, dominant, priests, economically, paralyzed, oppressive, force
Abstract This paper examines British writer Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" as well as the novel's primary theme of darkness, which the author maintains that each person contains within himself. This well-written paper clearly details the setting of the novel, which originally appeared in serial form in "Blackwood's Magazine" in 1899, as well as the plot and main characters. This paper analyzes Conrad's placement of his characters in the face of European imperialism and the colonization of Africa which results in giving even more depth to the concept of darkness. The author suggests that darkness is hidden deep within every person, yet he does not make an overt attack on the business of imperialism itself that acts as a catalyst for that darkness, as depicted in this particular novel.
From the Paper "The trip up the Congo when the ship is finally repaired further evinces a criticism of the company. Natives are employed and "educated" for menial tasks and no native receives any respect or much attention at all in Marlow's story. Marlow considers the humanity of the native voices he hears along the shore and he thinks about "principles" and "acquisitions," but then concludes "Fine sentiments be hanged! I had no time...There was surface-truth enough in these things to save a wiser man." Work and duty saved Marlow from letting his sanity be compromised by the forces at work in the Congo. A sinister fear is attached to the sightings of natives along the shore which culminates in the attack of Marlow's boat when it has nearly arrived at its destination: the ivory outpost where the legendary Mr. Kurtz is the lone person in charge."
