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. "
This paper critically analyzes George Berkeley's first argument against the existence of matter presented in "A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge."
2,220 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 0 sources, 2002, $ 68.95
Abstract In this paper, the writer critically examines Berkeley's first line of argument against the existence of matter that he presents in "A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge". This argument is frequently called "the Perception Argument" and is his first attempt to more firmly establish his central thesis of existence being tied into perception. The paper thoroughly explains the argument and presents Berkeley's responses to the most immediate objections that come up to it (the objections that are actually addressed in the text of his treatise). The writer also examines briefly how Berkeley's argument serves to contradict arguments regarding material substance made by Locke in "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding". The paper then offers a more robust objection to Berkeley's Perception Argument that attacks some key assumptions that the argument clearly relies on, specifically those regarding relationships between matter and ideas that Berkeley clearly assumes do not exist. The objection is furthered by examining the sections where Berkeley assumes that matter does exist in an attempt to show that such an assumption involves manifest contradictions.
From the Paper " Over the course of reading A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge, it becomes evident that Berkeley is not so much trying to convince the reader of a certain opinion of the nature of the world and our perception of it as much as he is trying to present his actual, everyday perception of the world and his existence in it. Berkeley repeatedly says things like, "Some truths there are so near and obvious to the mind, that a man need only open his eyes to see them," (?6) that suggest the intuitive obviousness that he sees in his doctrine. Frequently, a tone of frustration comes through in his writing - especially in the sections dealing with possible objections to his theory (?34-84) - illustrative of the difficulty he must have been feeling in trying to get everyone else to see what was so damn obvious to him. As such, many of Berkeley's arguments in support of his particular fundamental beliefs seem to be afterthoughts of their respective conclusions. His vision of the nature of existence being grounded in "esse is percipi" (?3) is so strong that he does not always seem to be too concerned with the particular logic behind his supporting arguments. This is especially true when it comes to his arguments denying the existence of matter. In this paper, I will argue that, while Berkeley's conclusion regarding the non-existence of matter is quite profound, his actual arguments for this conclusion do not sufficiently verify it. To do this, I will examine the first argument Berkeley makes against the existence of matter, the so-called "Perception Argument." I will argue that this argument relies heavily on a fallacious line of reasoning about the nature of matter and the inability of matter to cause ideas in us. I will then examine several passages in Principles that support the idea that Berkeley's belief that matter does not exist is grounded largely in his - or anyone else's - inability to really define what matter is. "
Abstract This paper reviews the book, "Language Matters" by Donna Jo Napoli. It discusses the author's argument that a specific language mechanism exists for language learning that is independent of other types of brain functions.
From the Paper "Using a wide variety of sources that deal with different types of populations, Donna Jo Napoli argues that a specific language mechanism exists for language learning which is independent of any other type of brain functions. In the book "Language Matters" ..."
Abstract This paper examines the Greek mythological master piece "Sailing In The Wine Dark Sea" written by Thomas Cahill, with special reference to educational issues being derived from the Greek civilization. The book reflects Greek civilization being primordial in such a way that the totality of human culture seems to originate from within it. Hence, along with the rich ancient heritage of art, philosophy, and semantics the Greeks passed down a number of repulsive elements in the field of education and its acquisition.
Contents:
Abstract
"Sailing In The Wine Dark Sea" -Why the Greeks Matter Historical Issues In Modern Education
Conclusion
From the Paper "This eminence and brilliance of the Greek civilization has been admired, acknowledged and elucidated in a tour that spans warriors, politicians, thinkers, playwrights and a pantheon of deities. Thus, Thomas Cahill has illuminated the epitomes of a Greek experience by touching all aspects of their society and providing a Greek link to every aspect of our contemporary life. Cahill's scrutinized the history for the object of developing a better understanding for our contemporary world. He breathes life into the dead and the bygone by considering similar routes trodden a million years ago, so that scholars can carry out a comparative study and understand what led to the present consequences. In this way they can get a better understanding of how men and women, our culture, semantics, society and intellect has been molded the way it has. Also, this book provides a reference point, a justification and a substantiation of present scenarios and helps us in eliminating the root of issues that hinder the acquisition of education and issues historically seeded therein. "
Abstract The paper relates the storyline of "Heart of Darkness" and illustrates how it is primarily aimed at addressing the true nature of colonialism, as well as demonstrating humanity's fallible nature. The paper describes how "Heart of Darkness" takes the reader on a journey into the human soul, where we discover that we can be just as 'animalistic' and 'savage' as our black counterparts.
Outline:
Introduction
The Heart of the Matter Conclusion
From the Paper "Often described as one of the best short novels written in English, Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness (1902) narrates a highly symbolic story that was based on the author's personal experience. At the time of its writing (1902), for example, Polish-born Conrad had mastered the English language, acquired British citizenship, and had served for some 10 years in the British Merchant Navy, where he had achieved the rank of captain. As such, Conrad traveled extensively around the globe, including Australia, Asia, and India, but also including Africa, thus basing Heart of Darkness on personal experience. Besides containing numerous symbols, however, Conrad's work is a story within a story, therefore telling not only about a voyage into the seat of the African bush, but also recounting the journey of a person into a new state of maturity."
Abstract This paper gives brief summaries of several authors' interpretations of Conrad's novel "Heart of Darkness". The paper points out that each of these perspectives grants us an insight into the novel that might otherwise be overlooked--namely that mankind is a generally weak creature, especially when it comes to matters of power and greed.
From the Paper "R. V. Cassill observes that the point of view "Heart of Darkness" lets us know that we are "watching the jungle through the eyes of a special and specially conditioned observer" (Cassill xxv). The story achieves its success because the images do not just appear to us, we recognize that it is the "mind of our narrator that has emphasized the riotousness of the vegetation and the kingly authority of the trees, which, to a different observer, might look like so much lumber" (xxv). The significance of the narrator's point of view is that it reminds us "that at the heart of all experience coming through our senses there is a regulating and evaluating self" (xv). In other words, the narrator is doing more than telling us a story; he is telling us how he is reacting to what he sees as well. This allows us to understand his character on a more personal level."
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."
