Heart of Darkness

I know many of you (students) are frustrated with Heart of Darkness. Many even question the point of it. As human beings we are always struggling with the conflict between right and wrong. It is a major part of our existence. You can call it evil/sin/morals-whatever you like. The bottom line is that we have all experienced it on some level.

I posted this clip from The Empire Strikes Back to show how prominent a theme it is in storytelling. Check it out. Are there any similarities to the novel?

If you have ever seen the film The Hunted, it presents a very similar story as well.

Just remember! Exaggeration is also a part of good story telling.

Luke vs Vader Dagobah (www.jedicruces.cl)

Blogs Are Now Closed

No more blogs will be accepted for credit from the 2nd marking period.

Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong

Students are to read the short story "Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong"

Heart of Darkness HW

Students are to read part 3 of Heart of Darkness and respond to the following:

Analyze the syntax and diction of the first paragraph of part 3.

What theme is represented by the heads on stakes?

Provide an analysis of the following:
-“True, he had made that last stride, he had stepped over the edge, while I had been permitted to draw back my hesitating foot.”

Explain the significance of Kurtz’s last words

Heart of Darkness HW

Students are to read part 2 and complete the following:

Comment on the scene with the evil spirit in the boiler and the treatment of African culture.

Analyze the following:
-“You don’t talk with that man—you listen to him”
Consider syntax and context.

List all of the characters Marlow has come in contact with through part 2. How many have names? What is the significance of this?

Heart of Darkness HW

Today the students researched the following topics/people:

Colonialism, Leopold II, Congo, Ivory, Chinua Achebe.

We will be discussing the relationship between these items as well as how they relate to the novel tomorrow.

Students must also read part 1 of Heart of Darkness and respond to the following:

As you read respond to the following:

Examine the treatment of colonialism. Provide specific examples and pages.

Comment on the relationship between the following:
The man carrying a bucket with a hole in it.
The dead body in the road. (permanent improvement)
The need for rivets.

Comment on the significance of the following:
-“In the interior you will no doubt meet Mr. Kurtz”
-“The chief of the Inner Station”

In-class writing

Today the students completed an in-class writing. Any student that was absent needs to complete the assignment immediately. Here is the topic-

Invisible Man
30pts

Select 1 scene from the novel for analysis. Explain how it contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole. Consider the author’s use of syntax, diction, symbols, figurative language, allusion, etc.

Tomorrow we will begin staring blankly into the Heart of Darkness.