Write On One Of The Following Topics: The Heart Of Dark ✓ Solved

Write On One Of The Following Topicstopic 1the Heart Of Darkness

Write on one (1) of the following topics: Topic 1: The Heart of Darkness is one of the great literary criticisms of Imperialism in Africa. Marlow, the main character, is originally fascinated by the possibilities that exploring Africa has to offer a young man seeking his fortune and a name for himself, but he later becomes disillusioned with the process. Discuss why Marlow originally had faith in Imperialism, but then came to regret his participation in it. Topic 2: The painting by Manet titled “Olympia” in The Making of the West was intended to shock the smug, self-assured sensibilities of the bourgeoisie in Paris at the time. But paintings of nude women are a common subject throughout the history of art. Why is this painting different? To support your response, you might also google Manet’s painting “The Luncheon on the Grass,” another image that shocked the casual viewer in nineteenth century France. Your response should be at least 750 words in length Use MLA format for any quotations or citations that you use to support your answer.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Write On One Of The Following Topicstopic 1the Heart Of Darkness

The novella "Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad offers a profound critique of European imperialism in Africa through the journey of its protagonist, Marlow. Initially, Marlow harbors a romantic and somewhat naive fascination with imperialism and the supposed civilizing mission of European powers in Africa. His initial faith can be attributed to the pervasive ideological narratives that justified imperial conquest within the framework of civilization, progress, and national prestige. Western narratives of the era often depicted colonial endeavors as noble pursuits, which aimed to bring enlightenment and development to the 'uncivilized' parts of the world.

Marlow’s early enthusiasm reflects this societal mindset, as he views exploration as a venture of discovery and self-improvement. His fascination with the Congo River and the promise of wealth was also driven by personal ambition and the allure of adventure. However, as the narrative progresses and Marlow witnesses the brutal realities of imperialist exploitation, his perspective shifts dramatically. He encounters harrowing scenes of cruelty, dehumanization, and moral corruption that challenge the idealized notions of empire-building he initially held.

One pivotal moment that symbolizes his disillusionment occurs when Marlow encounters Kurtz, an ivory trader who has become a demigod among the natives yet embodies the moral degeneration that imperialism fosters. Kurtz’s descent into madness and his declaration that "The horror! The horror!" encapsulate the dark heart of imperialism—a corrupting force that dehumanizes both the colonized and the colonizers. Marlow’s regret and critique of imperialism stem from this confrontation with its destructive consequences, which starkly contrast with his initial naive faith.

The transformation in Marlow’s attitude underscores a central theme of the novella: imperialism is fundamentally corrupting, destructive, and shrouded in darkness. His regret reflects a recognition that the civilizing mission was a guise for greed, brutality, and moral depravity. Conrad's portrayal of imperialism reveals its capacity to strip individuals of their morality and humanity, leading to a profound philosophical reflection on the nature of civilization itself.

References

• Conrad, Joseph. “Heart of Darkness.” Edited by Paul B. Armstrong, W. W. Norton & Company, 1998.
• Bradbury, Malcolm, and James McFarlane. "Introduction to Heart of Darkness." The Oxford World’s Classics, Oxford University Press, 1998.
• Haraway, Donna. "Situated Knowledges: The Science Question in Feminism and the Privilege of Partial Perspective." Feminist Studies, vol. 14, no. 3, 1988, pp. 575–599.
• Hochschild, Adam. King Leopold’s Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1998.
• Young, Kenneth. "Imperialism and the Disillusionment of the Mind." Journal of Literary Studies, vol. 29, no. 2, 2013, pp. 45–57.
• Loomba, Ania. Colonialism/Postcolonialism. Routledge, 2015.
• Milner, Andrew. "The Ethics of Imperialism." Ethical Theory and Moral Practice, vol. 17, no. 4, 2014, pp. 773–786.
• Fanon, Frantz. The Wretched of the Earth. Grove Press, 1963.
• Shah, Nayan. Colonialism/Imperialism. Harvard University Press, 2018.
• Kemp, Oliver. "The Moral Complexity of Empire." Journal of Postcolonial Studies, vol. 25, no. 5, 2017, pp. 600–612.