Heart of Darkness
This paper will require you to demonstrate knowledge and comprehending ofHeart of Darkness. You are required to answer the question below in a well organized essay of approximately 1250-1500 words. All papers will be submitted according to the style rules listed below. Any failure to follow these style rules will result in the loss of five points per violation.
Please Note: You must turn in your paper both via the Drop Box which you can find on your ANGEL site and also bring a physical copy to class. I will not accept email submissions and will not begin grading your paper until I have both an electronic and physical copy. For every calendar day I do not have both an electronic and physical copy your grade will be deduced by ten points.
Style Rules: All style rules must conform to Modern Language Arts (MLA) regulations. If you are unfamiliar with the MLA style guide you can find a concise synopsis here:
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/. Any failure to following these guidelines will result in the loss of five points per violation. Below is a list of the most basic style rules you must follow.
- Cover Page with your name, date, title and author of the book on the cover. This should be the first page of your assignment and it does not count towards your word and/or page limit.
- All papers will be double spaced and include and introductory and concluding paragraph.
- Papers are not to go beyond five pages. The word limit is also part of the assignment and you will be graded on your ability to express yourself clearly and succinctly.
- All papers will be in12 point font, Times New Roman or other legible font, with one inch margins at the top and bottom and 1 inch margins on the left and right.
- You do not need a "works cited" list or bibliography but you will need to cite where in the book you find the information you are using to answer the question. You especially need to cite if you paraphrase or use direct quotes. Below are guidelines following MLA (modern language arts) formats.
Direct quote: "'The horror! The horror!' (Conrad, pg86)."
Paraphrase: The travel upriver, away from the Inner Station, is where the boundaries of civilized and humane behavior began to blur.
Paper Prompt (remember to please answer all parts of the question):
1) To what extent do you think the novel represents a criticism of European Imperialism? What does the work suggest about the consequences, both intended and unintended, about European actions in Africa? What is Marlow's attitude toward the African people he encounters on his trip up the Congo? Does Marlow represent a heroic figure in this narrative? Are there any African characters who could be considered heroic? What are the similarities and differences between the three main female characters of the book; Kurtz's European fiancée, Marlow's aunt, and the African woman at Kurtz's station? Finally according to the commentary of Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe, Joseph Conrad was a "bloody racist (pgxlv-lii)." What critique does Achebe give of Conrad's Heart of Darkness and do you think the criticism is warranted?