Heart of Darkness analysis questions
Directions: Today: Select one topic from the five choices provided. Begin planning your writing with an outline, plan, or other useful information for planning in the space provided and on back. During our next long block class you will compose at least one paragraph that begins with a focused topic sentence in order to answer the question. Make sure to include accurate in-text citations for all supporting quotations. For questions that require multiple quotations, you may create a bulleted list; however, your analysis must be in the form of a paragraph. No separate Works Cited is necessary. If necessary, utilize website topic for more clarity during the …show more content…
Heart of Darkness is a frame story. An unnamed narrator begins the story on the deck of the Nellie in London on the Thames River and listens to Marlow recount his journey. Explain the significance and impact of the frame narrative to the story. Identify three shifts within the novella between this narrator and Marlow who narrates most of the story. Why are these particular points of change significant?
2. Chiaroscuro is the contrasting of light and shade. From Italian, meaning “bright dark,” it is a term referring to the effect obtained in a painting or literary work when light and dark images or patterns of imagery are contrasted or emphasized. Conrad repeatedly utilizes chiaroscuro and often uses reverses of the traditional symbolism of black and white in Heart of Darkness. Analyze the effect of this technique on meaning and purpose. Provide evidence through two examples where he uses traditional symbolism and four examples where symbolic value is inverted.
3. Conrad often employs impressionism to depict how scenes appear—or what they seem to be. Discuss the impact of literary impressionism on Conrad’s message. Illustrate your ideas with four examples where he refers to a person, place, or object using this conflict—the conflict of illusion versus reality. (seems, appears, looks