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 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."
Abstract The paper looks at James Joyce's short story "Araby" and Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" and the important role of light and dark imagery in both texts. The paper shows how, while the authors of "Araby" and "Heart of Darkness" use this imagery to very different effects, in both works images of light and dark are central devices employed to convey meaning and illustrate themes.
From the Paper "As the title of Conrad's novel would suggest, imagery of light and darkness is of great importance in this narrative. From the opening of the novel, the text and its characters seem to exist in a permanent twilight. The narrative of Heart of Darkness is a tale told by Marlow to a number of listeners aboard a boat on the river Thames around sunset: "The air was dark above Gravesend, and farther back still seemed condensed in a mournful gloom, brooding motionless over the biggest, and the greatest, town on earth" (Conrad 7). The imagery of darkness is thus employed to establish a reflective mood from the outset of Conrad's narrative. Clearly, the imagery of twilight - at the close of the day, and when the promise of the day has been realized or not - is conducive to reflection."
Abstract In this article, the writer points out that Joseph Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness' draws a parallel between the physical journey of the main character, Marlow, and his mental or spiritual journey as he travels more deeply into the physical darkness of the African continent. The writer notes that the physical journey is then indicative as he becomes increasingly aware of the darkness in the human soul, which culminates in the character of Kurtz. Further the writer notes that when Kurtz dies, the darkness reaches its ultimate level, and for Marlow, there is no return. The writer discusses that in terms of point of view, the novel is structured in an interesting way.
From the Paper "This indicates a gradual shift of viewpoint from the Western, or civilized, to the uncivilized. In this, Marlow's viewpoint shift foreshadows his meeting with Kurtz. The latter is iconic of the completion of this viewpoint. The reader is therefore prepared for an increased contact with darkness as Marlow travels deeper into the physical darkness of Africa towards the ultimate heart of the matter personified in Kurtz. The decay of Kurtz's station indicates not only his absence, but also his lingering influence during the time when he was present at the station. It is central to the novel to note that the barbarian nature of the natives influenced the Western-born Kurtz and Marlow to a greater degree than their civilization. The novel closes with the indication that barbarism waits just beneath the surface of even the highest civilization. In this, Conrad makes his point regarding the true nature of humanity."
Abstract This paper explains that the darkness in Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" represents an illusion in which certain people are not able to grasp the understanding of life and other human beings. The author points out that it is this inability that makes civilization and the development of society evil. The paper relates that, from this novel, the evil atrocities committed during the white European businessmen's enslavement of native Africans in their search for ivory , are results of being smothered in "the darkness". The author uses the thoughts in Friedrich Nietzsche's "Beyond Good and Evil", to understand the experiences of the character Kurtz to create nothing more and nothing less. The paper concludes that the darkness can be seen as the ultimate origin of evil.
From the Paper "Kurtz is a man that started as the best trading post manager the Europeans had. He was determined and took control to get the job done better than anyone else, which led him to bring in as much ivory as all the others combined. When Marlow reaches him, Kurtz is no longer affiliated with not only the conquest, but European thought and values altogether. He takes control of a local tribe and in the eyes of the Europeans turns into a savage. Kurtz abandons the values and ideals of European colonial conduct because he is starting to figuratively see the light in the darkness."
Explores the two main themes of Joseph Conrad's novel "Heart of Darkness" which concern British imperialism in Africa and the effect of Africa on Conrad's characters.
1,744 words (approx. 7 pages), 9 sources, 2000, $ 56.95
Abstract This paper takes a look at the theme of British imperialism in Africa in "Heart of Darkness" as well as how Africa affects the main characters in the novel. The paper looks at Conrad's use of the symbol of darkness to represent the corruption of British Imperialism and the dark side of human nature. Also discussed in the paper is how the characters Kurtz and Marlow are corrupted by their experiences in Africa.
From the Paper "Historian Walter Phelps Hall states that Africa was known to British Imperialists as the Dark Continent (Phelps 748). Phelps says that reporter Henry M. Stanley used this phrase in his 1878 biography Through the Dark Continent to describe Africa's dense, unexplored jungles that were a mystery to Europeans until the 19th century (Phelps 750). Author Joseph Conrad experienced the Dark Continent in the Fall of 1889 when he adventured on the African Congo (Kimbrough ix). His book Heart of Darkness was motivated by his experiences on his Congo trip. He witnessed first hand the effects of English Imperialism on Africa and on the Europeans who visited Africa."
Abstract This paper is an introduction and discussion of two stories, both set in Africa. "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe and ?Heart of Darkness? by Joseph Conrad. It compares the two stories as a reader response criticism. It explores the themes of darkness and language. The writer argues that Conrad's work is harder to grasp but is haunting and vivid. Achebe's work is perceived as simpler to comprehend. In conclusion, the discussion highlights that whilst ?Heart of Darkness? is a disturbing read, it illustrates well how the natives suffered in Africa and causes the reader to think. In contrast, "Things Fall Apart" is an easier read but fails to make its mark in the same way.
From the Paper "The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the two stories "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe and "Heart of Darkness," by Joseph Conrad. Specifically, it will compare the two papers as a reader response criticism. Conrad's work is difficult to grasp at first reading, while Achebe's is simpler to comprehend. Yet, it is Conrad's work that haunts the reader and stays with him, because of the forceful descriptions and vivid language Conrad uses to describe the dark and deep African jungle, and ultimately, because it makes the reader think".
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)."
A review of the theme of darkness in the novels "The Fall of the House of Usher", and "The Pit and the Pendulum" and the poem "For Annie" by Edgar Allen Poe.
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 13 sources, 2002, $ 89.95
Abstract This paper explores two stories by Edgar Allen Poe, "The Fall of the House of Usher", and "The Pit and the Pendulum". These stories are considered in relation to a poem Poe wrote called, "For Annie", a verse written for a friend of his, Annie Richmond. The theme of this paper is about "darkness," where darkness is a metaphor that imbues Poe's horror stories with themes of consciousness and experiences with terror. Because Poe was especially interested in the susceptibility of the imagination, this paper attempts to "imagine" Edgar Allen Poe in relation to varying metaphors of darkness that characterize the author's life and literature.
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 attempts to explore the Homeric uses of simple light and dark terms to develop possible symbolic meanings in the Lattimore translations of the epics "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey". It first explores references to light then dark uses in both epics and then explores individual uses in each epic. The order of explanation develops the point that in "The Iliad" light and dark references mostly describe war, while in "The Odyssey" the terms develop a wide array of objects and situations because there is no major war.
From the Paper "First, light seems to appear in both epics when referencing gods, weapons, and other general descriptions. Through reading both epics, one can discover that Homer has utilized light to develop the love and admiration for gods and goddesses, much like other ancient Greek writers. Such descriptions can be seen in The Iliad. In the text Apollo is referred to as: "lord of the silver bow" (Book I, 37) . Throughout the text Homer's descriptions also portray Hera as the goddess with the white arms. Also, when in Olympos the gods and goddesses are said to drink in golden cups. In The Odyssey goddesses are especially referenced through bright terms."
