17 & 18th Century: Colonialism & Heart of Darkness

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 6

17 & 18th Century Colonialism

Heart of Darkness as a emotional semi-autobiography

Colonialism

- British Cultural Superiority

In theory: -  Bring civilization to the 'less fortunate'

- Against their will, for the greater good

In practice: - Economic power, exploitation

- Military domination

The Great Unkown

Perspective on the colonies: - At home: Exotic faraway places of mystery.

- On location: Exotic, but also: Horror, savage, large areas unexplored

Heart of Darkness

Journey into the wilderness

Joseph Conrad

1857-1924

- Sailor --> Became author later on.

- Famous for depictions of (lack of) humanity and its limitations.

Heart of Darkness

Published in 1899, not received well at first

Set in Congo (technically in London)

Speaks to the irrational, emotional side of the human psyche

Very ambiguous

Basic Plot

- Charles Marlow goes to Africa to captain a steamboat in the Congolese inlands.

- Is tasked to find out what happened to Kurtz, a trader who made a name for himself in the ivory trade.

- After long trials Marlow find Kurtz, only to see him ill and  insane from the 'Darkness" that is the heart of Africa.

Cultural impact

Assignment

Read pages 1-14 (until BON VOYAGE). Find the file in the 17 & 18th Century folder on It's Learning.

Consider the writing style, focusing on the imagery and evocation of thought and emotion.