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| Taken from Google Images |
Roberto and Jose - this is the journal you missed today! Also, the test and journal prompt took up the majority of class, so we decided to wait for you both to start watching Apocalypse Now! Lucky you!
Journal: Were you shocked in Part III concerning what Marlow found when he finally reached Kurtz at the Inner Station? Why/why not? Why do you suppose Marlow still considered Kurtz a "remarkable" man even after seeing what he had done? What message did this novella send about light and darkness (ie - good and evil)?
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| Taken from Google Images |
Part II of the novella is far different than part I. In part I Marlow ponders the sedentary life that the Europeans are living in the Congo - his crew is neither enlightening or "civilizing" the natives, nor are they exploiting ivory with the success of Kurtz. The imperialists seem to be at a stand-still with no purpose at all.
The next part of this novella is different; the men make their journey to the Inner Station to find Kurtz, and this journey is anything but boring. The name of "Kurtz" continues to be "whispered" into Marlow's ear, as if once he reaches this elusive man, he will know what it means to be successful and purposeful. Clearly, Kurtz must be doing something right...right?
For this journal prompt, I want you to take on the perspective of Marlow. As Marlow, write a letter to your aunt back in Europe. What would he have to say to her regarding part II? How would he describe his surroundings? Would he talk of enlightenment and civilization or would he talk of exploitation of goods and the absurdity that encompasses him? Discuss the attack, the cannibals, the death, and the fear that envelopes them. Clearly, there is no way for Marlow to send this letter, so he may be more abrasive than need be. Think about what these men have gone through in their attempt to get to the Inner Station. Now write about it from Marlow's perspective.
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| Taken from Google Images |
At the beginning of the novella, a doctor examines Marlow before he departs for the Congo. Upon this examination, it is evident that the man has seen many men before they have set out on various adventures, but he states one thing: they don't ever come back to see him. As a class, we discussed reasons these men may not have been back for a check up, but Conrad implies that Marlow feels as though he is somewhat of a psychological experiment as he observes the absurdity of imperialism that surrounds him in this foreign place.
Imagine if you were that doctor and you happened to get a chance to examine Marlow again. What do you observe? How has his character changed since leaving Europe? Is he suffering from any ailments? How has he changed psychologically? Bottom line: in what ways has Marlow changed since the beginning of the novella?
