Reference no: EM133258274

College Reading And Composition Assignment - Heart of Darkness By Joseph Conrad Essay

Description - From reading part 1 of Heart of Darkness, we - meaning both the other three men on the boat with Marlowe and those of us reading this narrative (book) - "hear about one of Marlowe's inconclusive experiences" (10). His story, experience (based on Conrad's own very similar adventure), takes him out of civilization into places on earth that are quite primitive in comparison. He begins his story by pointing out that where they are, on a boat on the Thames River that runs through London, was once itself an unchartered land until the Romans arrived. Then they came and conquered, using - wait for it - "brute force" (9), "an accident arising from the weakness of others" (9). Essentially, this is how civilizations evolve and develop. Yes, there's some camaraderie and cooperation with some, but others - especially the natives who were already there - are taken advantage of, "expendable" resources, for the so-called greater good of advancement.

Marlowe begins his narrative with this reflection to set up what he's about to disclose of his adventure in the Congo. In this narrative, he tells of a number of unique situations that he goes through on his journey to and up the Congo River in a very primitive environment.

So, for this assignment, I want you to explain, in a paragraph in your own words, a specific situation that Marlowe encounters on his journey and offer your own insights, what you think, about what he experiences in that moment. Consider what's happening, what Marlowe observes, and your reaction to it.