7. In a critical essay, C. P. Sarvan writes, darkness which is often mentioned refers not only to the “The darkness within man, to the mysterious and unpredictable, but also to ignorance and illusions.” Relate this concept to the novel and its recurring motif of darkness, citing specific examples to prove your point. 8. Some critics believe that in Heart of Darkness Conrad illustrates how darkness of the landscape can “the lead to the darkness of social corruption.” What does this statement mean? How can one’s environment affect one’s actions, feelings, and morals? Is this statement believable or not? Have you ever experienced a change in yourself that resulted from a change in your environment? What kind of change was it? 9. of Darkness seems to blur the line between the so-called society of Europe and the “advanced” society of Africa. What makes one culture and another in the eyes of the “primitive” “civilized” “savage” world? Are these distinctions valid? Do you think that the culture you live in is or Why? “advanced” “civilized”? 10. The novel is filled with comparisons and contrasts that help develop the plot, theme, and characters in Conrad’s novel. Discuss the following: Thames River & Congo River • The Brickmaker & the Russian • The Company Offices & the Intended’s House Kurtz & Marlow • •
7. In a critical essay, C. P. Sarvan writes, “The darkness which is often mentioned refers not only to the darkness within man, to the mysterious and unpredictable, but also to ignorance and illusions.” Relate this concept to the novel and its recurring motif of darkness, citing specific examples to prove your point. 8. Some critics believe that in Heart of Darkness Conrad illustrates how “the darkness of the landscape can lead to the darkness of social corruption.” What does this statement mean? How can one’s environment affect one’s actions, feelings, and morals? Is this statement believable or not? Have you ever experienced a change in yourself that resulted from a change in your environment? What kind of change was it? 9. of Darkness seems to blur the line between the so-called “advanced” society of Europe and the “primitive” society of Africa. What makes one culture “civilized” and another “savage” in the eyes of the world? Are these distinctions valid? Do you think that the culture you live in is “advanced” or “civilized”? Why? 10. The novel is filled with comparisons and contrasts that help develop the plot, theme, and characters in Conrad’s novel. Discuss the following: • Thames River & Congo River • The Brickmaker & the Russian • The Company Offices & the Intended’s House • Kurtz & Marlow