I. Review of previous discussions
II. New annotations starting Page 17
113. Page 17, Continuing paragraph from page 16: In an American scenario, the native with the rifle might be labeled an "Uncle Tom." Does his "rascally grin" indicate his holding a secret or merely his understanding the "joke" of the situation? What "partnership" is suggested?
114. Page 17, first new paragraph: Why does Marlow compare all the various kinds of "devils" he has known to the men running the ivory trade? Is this comparison a prefiguring of Kurtz? Is it prolepsis since he has not yet met Kurtz?
115. Page 17, last paragraph: Does Marlow's mention of the "make-work" project reinforce his previous sarcastic remarks? If so, in what ways? Which word indicates heavy-duty sarcasm?
116. Page 17: Marlow continues to hammer home the Belgians lack of efficiency.
117. Page 18: continuing paragraph from Page 17: Is "gloomy inferno" an oxymoron? Why or why not?
118. Page 18, Paragraphs 1 and 2: Which terms or images contribute to Marlow's description of the pit of death?
119. Page 18: Marlow attempts to give food to the man with the white worsted "round" his neck. Explain Marlow's puzzlement about this accessory.
120. Page 19, first new paragraph: More horrific scenes of the dying
121. Page 19, Paragraph 2: Introduction of the accountant "in full dress:" Why does Marlow tell us this detail? Is it important?
122. Page 19, Paragraph 3: Marlow learns more about Kurtz whose name he does not yet know, but tells us that his memories will be connected to that man. Is this a bit of prolepsis?
123. Page 20, Continuing paragraph from Page 19: How has the accountant managed to keep up appearances?
124. Page 20: The accountant's books are in "apple-pie" order.
125. Page 20, first new paragraph: Belgians barter junk for ivory. Note the use of the "N" word.
126. Page 20, Paragraph 2: Note the poor construction of the accountant's office.
127. Page 20: "Truckle-bed" is trundle bed in American parlance. It is a low bed on casters that can slide under a regular bed.
128. Page 20: The groans of the sick man annoy the accountant.
129. Page 20: The accountant speaks Kurtz' name and says that Marlow will meet him.
130. Page 20, Paragraph 4: A caravan headed by a chief arrives to barter their ivory.
131. Page 21, continuing paragraph from page 20: The accountant urges Marlow to deliver a positive evaluation of the accountant's station. Why?
132. Page 21: The Central Station was Kinshasa.
133. Page 21: The accountant tells of Kurtz' prospects.
134. Page 21, first new paragraph: Note the pun: "the homeward-bound" agent.
135. Page 21, Paragraph 2: No steamer was available so Marlow had to hike with natives and others to Kinshasa.
136. Page 21, Paragraph 3: Discuss the analogy that continues on Page 22.
137. Page 22, continuing paragraph from Page 21: What is "pathetically childish" in the ruins of grass walls?
138. Page 22: Death of natives in harness
139. Page 22: Marlow's sarcastic comment on "roadway upkeep."
140. Page 22: Sixteen stone is 224 pounds.
141. Page 22: "They jibbed...." They balked, they refused to go forward.
HABENT SUA FATA LIBRI.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
INFORMATION FOR THE ACADEMIC DECATHLON TEAM 2011, STARTING PAGE 14 OF HEART OF DARKNESS
I. Review of previous discussions
II. New annotations starting page 14 of Heart of Darkness
95. Page 15, paragraph 1: Has Marlow lost any good feelings he may have had for Colonialism? Did he, in fact ever entertain such feelings? Review the scene with his aunt.
96. Page 15: Note the term "catacomb." Not only does this suggest death but, also, the dark, dank, and most unpleasant burial grounds of the dead. People were not given a respectful burial; their diseased bodies, mostly from the black death, were summarily dumped in these underground pits. You may view them in Rome, Vienna, Paris, and other ancient European cities.
97. Page 15: Does the expression "impotent despair" suggest the mood of Marlow's story" Contrast this with what you, at this point, have come to believe is Conrad's tone.
98. Page 15: "It was like a weary pilgrimage amongst hints for nightmares." Is Marlow suggesting his venture is a journey into the absurd?
99. Page 15, paragraph 2: At this time "the seat of government" would have been Leopoldville. It had been named for the King of the Belgians; it is now called Kinshasa.
100. Page 15, paragraph 3, Marlow will go upstream on a steamboat captained by a Swede. Note that men from non-colonial powers are involved in Africa. He lets Marlow join him on the bridge.What is the purpose of his question about what happens to "that kind" when they go upstream?
101. Page 15: "athwart" means across the course or length of something.
102. Page 15: A Swede has hanged himself. Why is Marlow told this?
103. Page 16, continuing paragraph from page 15: Marlow details more on the lack of efficiency.
104. Page 16: A "jetty" is a seawall often with a pier.
105. Page 16: "Recrudescence" has two basic meanings: become fresh or raw and to break out fresh after a period of decline. Which fits Marlow's idea?
106. Page 16, paragraph 2, Why does Marlow use the pig imagery?
107. Page 16: "Bowlders" are roller drums or wheels in some machines.
108. Page 16: Note the decaying machinery's being compared to the carcass of a dying animal.
109. Page 16: "objectless blasting" shows more lack of efficiency.
110. Page 16: Why is building the railway useless? How does Marlow know it is useless?
111. Page 16, paragraph 3: Black work crews are chained together and regarded as "criminals"
112. Page 16: "bights" are the loops between the chains.
EXERCITATIO OPTIMUS EST MAGISTER!
II. New annotations starting page 14 of Heart of Darkness
95. Page 15, paragraph 1: Has Marlow lost any good feelings he may have had for Colonialism? Did he, in fact ever entertain such feelings? Review the scene with his aunt.
96. Page 15: Note the term "catacomb." Not only does this suggest death but, also, the dark, dank, and most unpleasant burial grounds of the dead. People were not given a respectful burial; their diseased bodies, mostly from the black death, were summarily dumped in these underground pits. You may view them in Rome, Vienna, Paris, and other ancient European cities.
97. Page 15: Does the expression "impotent despair" suggest the mood of Marlow's story" Contrast this with what you, at this point, have come to believe is Conrad's tone.
98. Page 15: "It was like a weary pilgrimage amongst hints for nightmares." Is Marlow suggesting his venture is a journey into the absurd?
99. Page 15, paragraph 2: At this time "the seat of government" would have been Leopoldville. It had been named for the King of the Belgians; it is now called Kinshasa.
100. Page 15, paragraph 3, Marlow will go upstream on a steamboat captained by a Swede. Note that men from non-colonial powers are involved in Africa. He lets Marlow join him on the bridge.What is the purpose of his question about what happens to "that kind" when they go upstream?
101. Page 15: "athwart" means across the course or length of something.
102. Page 15: A Swede has hanged himself. Why is Marlow told this?
103. Page 16, continuing paragraph from page 15: Marlow details more on the lack of efficiency.
104. Page 16: A "jetty" is a seawall often with a pier.
105. Page 16: "Recrudescence" has two basic meanings: become fresh or raw and to break out fresh after a period of decline. Which fits Marlow's idea?
106. Page 16, paragraph 2, Why does Marlow use the pig imagery?
107. Page 16: "Bowlders" are roller drums or wheels in some machines.
108. Page 16: Note the decaying machinery's being compared to the carcass of a dying animal.
109. Page 16: "objectless blasting" shows more lack of efficiency.
110. Page 16: Why is building the railway useless? How does Marlow know it is useless?
111. Page 16, paragraph 3: Black work crews are chained together and regarded as "criminals"
112. Page 16: "bights" are the loops between the chains.
EXERCITATIO OPTIMUS EST MAGISTER!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
INFORMATION FOR ACADEMIC DECATHLON TEAM 2011 STARTING PAGE 11
I. Review of previous discussions
II. New annotations
64. Page 11, first line of paragraph 1: " 'A simple formality,' assured me the secretary, with an air of taking an immense part in all my sorrows." What sorrows is Marlow suggesting?
65. Page 11: Brussels referred to as "whited sepulcher." and "city of the dead."
66. Page 11: A cravat, in this case, a scarf-like tie is an article of male apparel worn around the neck.
67. Page 11: What is the purpose of this interlude with the clerk?
68. Page 11, paragraph 2: The body has a pulse; he is good to go. Is this the same idea as his French is good, he has the job?
69. Page 11: The doctor wishes to measure Marlow's head for academic purposes.
70. Page 11: Why does Marlow regard the doctor as a harmless fool?
71. Page 11: Does the doctor ever see any returnees? If he does not, why does he continue to measure heads?
72: Page 11: Why does the doctor ask if there has ever been an madness in Marlow's family?
73. Page 11: What is an alienist?
74. Page 12, continuing paragraph from page 11: If the doctor never sees any of the "patients" again, how can his measurements contribute to any research?
75. Page 12: Why does Marlow say he is not typical?
76: Page 12: Can something be profound but erroneous?
77. Page 12, paragraph 1: Why is Marlow's aunt triumphant?
78. Page 12: Marlow's aunt had presented him to her big-wheel friends as a gifted creature. Does having a pulse and the ability to speak French constitute a gifted creature? Stated differently, was it necessary for her to present Marlow as such person?
79. Page 12: Marlow says his aunt considers him a "Worker" using the upper case w. What is his meaning? What is her meaning?
80. Page 12: What does the term "emissary of light" reinforce?
81. Page. 12: What is Marlow's complaint against the print media of that time?
82. Page. 12: Marlow states that his aunt is "out of touch." To us, this smacks of sexism, but we live in a time in which we consider men and women equal; however, in those days, if women had power, it was behind the scenes as in Marlow's aunt's ability to secure him a position by working through her connections. Perhaps the question should be was she out of touch or merely idealist?
83. Page 13, first paragraph: Why does Marlow's aunt recommend wool clothing for the Congo?
84. Page 13: During his conversation with his aunt, why does Marlow come to feel like an impostor?
85. Page 13: Why does Marlow experience "a startled pause" before starting off for Belgium?
86. Page 13: Note Africa's seductive powers. Do they suggest the term "mal d'Afrique?"
87. Page 13: Note the description of the African Coast.
88. Page 13: Do the actions of the French seem robotic? Why or Why not?
89. Page 14, continuing paragraph from Page 13: Why do the names of the settlements and the situation in general suggest a theater piece to Marlow?
90. Page 14: How can the "voice of the surf" suggest the "speech of a brother?"
91. Page 14: Note Marlow's description of the natives.
92. Page 14: The "man-of-war" is lazily swaying up and down in the surf while "firing into a continent." Explore this image.
93. Page 14: Note the term "man-of-war" can be understood from context clues.
94. Page 14: "Nothing could happen. There was a touch of insanity in the proceeding, a sense of lugubrious drollery in the sight; and it was not dissipated by somebody on board assuring me earnestly there was a camp of natives--he called them enemies--hidden out of sight somewhere." What does this have to do with Marlow's belief in efficiency?
SIC TRANSIT GLORIA MUNDI.
II. New annotations
64. Page 11, first line of paragraph 1: " 'A simple formality,' assured me the secretary, with an air of taking an immense part in all my sorrows." What sorrows is Marlow suggesting?
65. Page 11: Brussels referred to as "whited sepulcher." and "city of the dead."
66. Page 11: A cravat, in this case, a scarf-like tie is an article of male apparel worn around the neck.
67. Page 11: What is the purpose of this interlude with the clerk?
68. Page 11, paragraph 2: The body has a pulse; he is good to go. Is this the same idea as his French is good, he has the job?
69. Page 11: The doctor wishes to measure Marlow's head for academic purposes.
70. Page 11: Why does Marlow regard the doctor as a harmless fool?
71. Page 11: Does the doctor ever see any returnees? If he does not, why does he continue to measure heads?
72: Page 11: Why does the doctor ask if there has ever been an madness in Marlow's family?
73. Page 11: What is an alienist?
74. Page 12, continuing paragraph from page 11: If the doctor never sees any of the "patients" again, how can his measurements contribute to any research?
75. Page 12: Why does Marlow say he is not typical?
76: Page 12: Can something be profound but erroneous?
77. Page 12, paragraph 1: Why is Marlow's aunt triumphant?
78. Page 12: Marlow's aunt had presented him to her big-wheel friends as a gifted creature. Does having a pulse and the ability to speak French constitute a gifted creature? Stated differently, was it necessary for her to present Marlow as such person?
79. Page 12: Marlow says his aunt considers him a "Worker" using the upper case w. What is his meaning? What is her meaning?
80. Page 12: What does the term "emissary of light" reinforce?
81. Page. 12: What is Marlow's complaint against the print media of that time?
82. Page. 12: Marlow states that his aunt is "out of touch." To us, this smacks of sexism, but we live in a time in which we consider men and women equal; however, in those days, if women had power, it was behind the scenes as in Marlow's aunt's ability to secure him a position by working through her connections. Perhaps the question should be was she out of touch or merely idealist?
83. Page 13, first paragraph: Why does Marlow's aunt recommend wool clothing for the Congo?
84. Page 13: During his conversation with his aunt, why does Marlow come to feel like an impostor?
85. Page 13: Why does Marlow experience "a startled pause" before starting off for Belgium?
86. Page 13: Note Africa's seductive powers. Do they suggest the term "mal d'Afrique?"
87. Page 13: Note the description of the African Coast.
88. Page 13: Do the actions of the French seem robotic? Why or Why not?
89. Page 14, continuing paragraph from Page 13: Why do the names of the settlements and the situation in general suggest a theater piece to Marlow?
90. Page 14: How can the "voice of the surf" suggest the "speech of a brother?"
91. Page 14: Note Marlow's description of the natives.
92. Page 14: The "man-of-war" is lazily swaying up and down in the surf while "firing into a continent." Explore this image.
93. Page 14: Note the term "man-of-war" can be understood from context clues.
94. Page 14: "Nothing could happen. There was a touch of insanity in the proceeding, a sense of lugubrious drollery in the sight; and it was not dissipated by somebody on board assuring me earnestly there was a camp of natives--he called them enemies--hidden out of sight somewhere." What does this have to do with Marlow's belief in efficiency?
SIC TRANSIT GLORIA MUNDI.
Monday, October 10, 2011
INFORMATION FOR ACADEMIC DECATHLON TEAM 2011 STARTING PAGE 6
I. Review of previous discussion.
II. New annotations:
32. Page 6: In paragraph 2, Marlow says his experience, though somber, threw a kind of light. Please keep this in mind as you read.
33. Page 6: Returning from the Far East, Marlow visits his friends, then seeks work on ships.
34. Page 6: "...just as though I had got a heavenly mission to civilize you." What is the import of the word choice "civilize."
35. Page 6: Marlow, as a child, is introduced to the Congo as a blank spot on a map.
36. Page 7: In paragraph 1, the blank spot becomes a "delightful mystery." Why is it delightful?
37. Page 7: The Congo River resembles a snake. Is this a casual remark or does the negative connotation entertained by many people to come into play?
38. Page 7: Marlow, unable to get employment on an ocean-going ship, realizes rivers need steamboat sailors.
39. Page 7: At the end of paragraph 1, as Marlow went along Fleet Street, he comes to understand that snake had charmed him. Why is he in Fleet Street? Why is he charmed by the snake?
40. Page 7: In paragraph 2, Marlow speaks of a Continental concern and tells us he has family in Europe; it is cheap there and not as nasty as it looks. Is this a hint toward his feelings for Brussels?
41. Page 7: In the last paragraph, Marlow, a seemingly independent person, asks his male relatives in Europe to help him find a position, but it comes to his aunt to help him.
42. Page 8: Conrad, himself, had applied to La Societe Anonyme Belge pour le commerce de Haute-Congo. In a letter to his cousin, he states he had only 3 days to prepare to leave for Africa
43. Page 8: Marlow is appointed.
44. Page 8: Paragraph 1: Here we have some prolepsis as Marlow's story jumps ahead to tell us about the recovery of Fresleven's bones.
45. Page 8: Fresleven had lost his cool over a deal about chickens. He was killed by the chief's son. Europeans "change" when in the Congo the doctor said.
46. Page 8: Why does the village disappear?
47. Page 8: Does the Fresleven episode prefigure the Kurtz episode?
48. Page 8: Why has Fresleven's body not been touched since his killing?
49. Page 9: What is the meaning of the sarcasm at the ending of the continuing paragraph from page 8?
50. Page 9: Paragraph 1: "whited sepulchers"
51. Page 9: What shows the ivory trade as the major business in Brussels?
52. Page 9: Note the description of Brussels and particularly the area of the office.
53. Page 9: What does the description of the women in the office connote?
54. Page 9: "Deal table" I need help with this one. Can this be some sort of card table?
55. Page 9: Colors on the map denote which European nations have control on the map.
56. Page 10: Note the word "sanctuary." Is this office a funeral home or a church?
57. Page 10: Why is the head of the company described as "The great man?"
58. Page 10: Was the only requirement for the job the ability to speak French well?
59. Page 10: Why is the secretary who has Marlow sign the papers compassionate, full of desolation and sympathy?
60. Page 10: Note Marlow's reaction to the atmosphere in the last paragraph.
61. Page 10: Note the words "eerie," ominous." "uncanny," "fateful," "door of Darkness." and "warm pall."
62. Page 10: Does "the starched white affair she wore on her head" prefigure the headdress of the African witch-woman or does it reinforce the idea of a sanctuary or church?
63. Page 10: "Morituri te salutant" Latin for "They, who are about to die, salute you (singular)."
This seems to be a variant of the gladiators salute to the emperor before the combat: "Morituri te salutamus" ("We,who are about to die, salute you (singular, the emperor)." In Marlow's usage, we must ask who the "they", "you", or "we" are.
LASCIATE OGNI SPERANZA VOI CH'ENTRATE!
II. New annotations:
32. Page 6: In paragraph 2, Marlow says his experience, though somber, threw a kind of light. Please keep this in mind as you read.
33. Page 6: Returning from the Far East, Marlow visits his friends, then seeks work on ships.
34. Page 6: "...just as though I had got a heavenly mission to civilize you." What is the import of the word choice "civilize."
35. Page 6: Marlow, as a child, is introduced to the Congo as a blank spot on a map.
36. Page 7: In paragraph 1, the blank spot becomes a "delightful mystery." Why is it delightful?
37. Page 7: The Congo River resembles a snake. Is this a casual remark or does the negative connotation entertained by many people to come into play?
38. Page 7: Marlow, unable to get employment on an ocean-going ship, realizes rivers need steamboat sailors.
39. Page 7: At the end of paragraph 1, as Marlow went along Fleet Street, he comes to understand that snake had charmed him. Why is he in Fleet Street? Why is he charmed by the snake?
40. Page 7: In paragraph 2, Marlow speaks of a Continental concern and tells us he has family in Europe; it is cheap there and not as nasty as it looks. Is this a hint toward his feelings for Brussels?
41. Page 7: In the last paragraph, Marlow, a seemingly independent person, asks his male relatives in Europe to help him find a position, but it comes to his aunt to help him.
42. Page 8: Conrad, himself, had applied to La Societe Anonyme Belge pour le commerce de Haute-Congo. In a letter to his cousin, he states he had only 3 days to prepare to leave for Africa
43. Page 8: Marlow is appointed.
44. Page 8: Paragraph 1: Here we have some prolepsis as Marlow's story jumps ahead to tell us about the recovery of Fresleven's bones.
45. Page 8: Fresleven had lost his cool over a deal about chickens. He was killed by the chief's son. Europeans "change" when in the Congo the doctor said.
46. Page 8: Why does the village disappear?
47. Page 8: Does the Fresleven episode prefigure the Kurtz episode?
48. Page 8: Why has Fresleven's body not been touched since his killing?
49. Page 9: What is the meaning of the sarcasm at the ending of the continuing paragraph from page 8?
50. Page 9: Paragraph 1: "whited sepulchers"
51. Page 9: What shows the ivory trade as the major business in Brussels?
52. Page 9: Note the description of Brussels and particularly the area of the office.
53. Page 9: What does the description of the women in the office connote?
54. Page 9: "Deal table" I need help with this one. Can this be some sort of card table?
55. Page 9: Colors on the map denote which European nations have control on the map.
56. Page 10: Note the word "sanctuary." Is this office a funeral home or a church?
57. Page 10: Why is the head of the company described as "The great man?"
58. Page 10: Was the only requirement for the job the ability to speak French well?
59. Page 10: Why is the secretary who has Marlow sign the papers compassionate, full of desolation and sympathy?
60. Page 10: Note Marlow's reaction to the atmosphere in the last paragraph.
61. Page 10: Note the words "eerie," ominous." "uncanny," "fateful," "door of Darkness." and "warm pall."
62. Page 10: Does "the starched white affair she wore on her head" prefigure the headdress of the African witch-woman or does it reinforce the idea of a sanctuary or church?
63. Page 10: "Morituri te salutant" Latin for "They, who are about to die, salute you (singular)."
This seems to be a variant of the gladiators salute to the emperor before the combat: "Morituri te salutamus" ("We,who are about to die, salute you (singular, the emperor)." In Marlow's usage, we must ask who the "they", "you", or "we" are.
LASCIATE OGNI SPERANZA VOI CH'ENTRATE!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
INFORMATION FOR ACADEMIC DECATHLON TEAM 2011
PAGE BY PAGE ANNOTATIONS OF CHAPTER ONE TO PAGE 6:
1. Page 1: Note the placement and movement of the yacht.
2. Page 1: What is the effect of the imagery in paragraph 2?
3. Page 1: Compare "varnished spirits" to "whited sepulchers."
4. Page 1: First use of the words "mournful," "gloom," and "brooding."
5. Page 1: Repetition of brooding and gloom in paragraph 3.
6. Page 1: Note the occupations of the men on the yacht. Is there any importance?
7. Page 1: The mizzen-mast is the mast closest the stern.
8. Page 2: Marlow described as an idol. What is the import of this?
9. Page 2: Continuing paragraph from the previous page: note the use of loaded words.
10. Page 2: Repetition of the words gloom and brooding.
11. Page 2: In paragraph 2, gloom is repeated again.
12. Page 2: Note the "tranquil dignity" of the Thames.
13. Page 2: Description of the Thames will be contrasted with the Congo later on.
14. Page 2: Continuing in paragraph 2, what does "We looked at the venerable stream not in the vivid flush of a short day that comes and departs forever, but in the august light of abiding memories" mean?
15. Page 2: A bit of British Navel History
16. Page 3: Paragraph continuing from page 2: note the introduction of the "torch" motif.
17. Page 3: Paragraph 1: repetition of "brooding gloom"
18. Page 3: Paragraph 2: Marlow's first words
19. Page 3: Paragraph 3: Marlow as seaman and wanderer
20. Page 4: Note the "kernal" analogy. How does it apply?
21. Page 4: Marlow begins his narrative in paragraph 3.
22. Page 4: Why does Marlow detail the problems of Romans in Ancient Britain?
23. Page 5: Ravenna was a major Roman navel base located in Northwest Italy.
24. Page 5: Roman treasure-seekers foreshadow European and especially Belgian treasure-seekers.
25. Page 5: In paragraph 1, Marlow is posed as Buddha.
26. Page 5: Marlow gives his views on efficiency. Why is this important?
27. Page 5: Marlow views the Romans as plunderers. Is the author's opinion creeping in and does this foreshadow his feelings about the Belgians?
28. Page 5: What is the redemption spoken of 4 lines from the bottom of the page?
29. Page 6: Marlow tells us he was once a freshwater sailor.
30. Page 6: Marlow denies the audience wishes to hear his personal part in the story. Why?
31. Page 6: First mention of Kurtz but without using his name.
MENS SANA IN CORPORE SANO.
1. Page 1: Note the placement and movement of the yacht.
2. Page 1: What is the effect of the imagery in paragraph 2?
3. Page 1: Compare "varnished spirits" to "whited sepulchers."
4. Page 1: First use of the words "mournful," "gloom," and "brooding."
5. Page 1: Repetition of brooding and gloom in paragraph 3.
6. Page 1: Note the occupations of the men on the yacht. Is there any importance?
7. Page 1: The mizzen-mast is the mast closest the stern.
8. Page 2: Marlow described as an idol. What is the import of this?
9. Page 2: Continuing paragraph from the previous page: note the use of loaded words.
10. Page 2: Repetition of the words gloom and brooding.
11. Page 2: In paragraph 2, gloom is repeated again.
12. Page 2: Note the "tranquil dignity" of the Thames.
13. Page 2: Description of the Thames will be contrasted with the Congo later on.
14. Page 2: Continuing in paragraph 2, what does "We looked at the venerable stream not in the vivid flush of a short day that comes and departs forever, but in the august light of abiding memories" mean?
15. Page 2: A bit of British Navel History
16. Page 3: Paragraph continuing from page 2: note the introduction of the "torch" motif.
17. Page 3: Paragraph 1: repetition of "brooding gloom"
18. Page 3: Paragraph 2: Marlow's first words
19. Page 3: Paragraph 3: Marlow as seaman and wanderer
20. Page 4: Note the "kernal" analogy. How does it apply?
21. Page 4: Marlow begins his narrative in paragraph 3.
22. Page 4: Why does Marlow detail the problems of Romans in Ancient Britain?
23. Page 5: Ravenna was a major Roman navel base located in Northwest Italy.
24. Page 5: Roman treasure-seekers foreshadow European and especially Belgian treasure-seekers.
25. Page 5: In paragraph 1, Marlow is posed as Buddha.
26. Page 5: Marlow gives his views on efficiency. Why is this important?
27. Page 5: Marlow views the Romans as plunderers. Is the author's opinion creeping in and does this foreshadow his feelings about the Belgians?
28. Page 5: What is the redemption spoken of 4 lines from the bottom of the page?
29. Page 6: Marlow tells us he was once a freshwater sailor.
30. Page 6: Marlow denies the audience wishes to hear his personal part in the story. Why?
31. Page 6: First mention of Kurtz but without using his name.
MENS SANA IN CORPORE SANO.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
INFORMATION FOR ACADEMIC DECATHLON 2011
Dear Team Members,
I am please to be able to work with you for the English and history sections of your studies.
It appears that we will not have time to work on Greek and Latin roots. We will start with the history of Joseph Conrad. Please bring a note pad for each session.
1. The birth, life, work and death of Joseph Conrad.
2. Be aware of his other works.
3. Suggest Prompts for essays
Essay Prompts:
1. "Spark Notes" suggested essays will be discussed.
2, "Questions" from the British Edition of the text prepared for Canadian secondary students as prompts will be discussed.
3. My personal essay prompts.
My personal prompts:
1. If we accept the premise that the Belgians were the most brutal of all the Colonial Powers, What scenes or elements support this idea?
2.In a politically correct world, does this novella purposely avoid touching on the good work done by the Colonial Powers?
3. Conrad could have written his works in several languages. How is it that he chose to write in English?
4. What is the value and effect writing Heart of Darkness as a story within a story?
5. Discuss Kurtz' relationships with his girlfriend in Belgium and the African witch woman. Does he love either one or has he lost the ability for real love?
!BUENA SUERTE!
I am please to be able to work with you for the English and history sections of your studies.
It appears that we will not have time to work on Greek and Latin roots. We will start with the history of Joseph Conrad. Please bring a note pad for each session.
1. The birth, life, work and death of Joseph Conrad.
2. Be aware of his other works.
3. Suggest Prompts for essays
Essay Prompts:
1. "Spark Notes" suggested essays will be discussed.
2, "Questions" from the British Edition of the text prepared for Canadian secondary students as prompts will be discussed.
3. My personal essay prompts.
My personal prompts:
1. If we accept the premise that the Belgians were the most brutal of all the Colonial Powers, What scenes or elements support this idea?
2.In a politically correct world, does this novella purposely avoid touching on the good work done by the Colonial Powers?
3. Conrad could have written his works in several languages. How is it that he chose to write in English?
4. What is the value and effect writing Heart of Darkness as a story within a story?
5. Discuss Kurtz' relationships with his girlfriend in Belgium and the African witch woman. Does he love either one or has he lost the ability for real love?
!BUENA SUERTE!
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