Heart Flashcards, test questions and answers
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What is Heart?
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad is a classic novella that tells the story of Marlow, an English sailor on a journey up the Congo River in Africa to meet Kurtz, an ivory trader. Along the way, Marlow encounters many obstacles and forces that serve as metaphors for European colonialism and its effects on native populations. The story is told from an ambiguous point-of-view with multiple layers of meaning that are open to interpretation. Through his journey, Marlow learns about human nature and man’s capacity for both good and evil.The overarching theme in Heart of Darkness is colonialism and its effect on native populations. As Marlow moves further inland, he encounters more primitive societies populated by natives whom he views as inferior to Europeans. He often speaks condescendingly about them or makes assumptions based solely on their race or culture which reflects the attitude of colonialists in general towards indigenous people during this time period. However, not all characters share this same opinion; some show empathy for these natives who are oppressed by their colonial masters. These contrasting views provide insight into how colonialism affects those it subjugates as well as those who enforce it through violence or exploitation.The narrative also explores themes such as morality, power dynamics between individuals and groups, imperialism, racism, identity formation/reformation due to external influences such as colonization/conquest or religion etc., and ultimately human nature itself both its potential for greatness but also its capacity for cruelty when unchecked by moral guidance or conscience. Furthermore, there are strong religious references throughout the text which suggest deeper spiritual implications behind man’s actions particularly regarding power dynamics between oppressor nations (Europe) versus oppressed peoples (Africa). Ultimately Heart of Darkness serves as a cautionary tale about imperialism and its consequences while exploring issues such as identity formation/reformation due to external influences like colonization/conquest or religion etc., morality & power dynamics between individuals & groups and ultimately human nature itself both its potential for greatness but also its capacity for cruelty when unchecked by moral guidance or conscience. It’s a timeless work that still resonates today with readers grappling with similar issues related to imperialism & colonization worldwide even though it was written over 100 years ago.