Discussion of Heart of Darkness

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aaa123
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Re: Discussion of Heart of Darkness

Post by aaa123 »

The characters are the best part of the story. I really liked Kurtz who was a tyrant. An extremely interesting novel. I would recommend this to anyone who just wants a good read.
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dhaller
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Post by dhaller »

I'm going to be honest.

Reading Heart of Darkness felt like slogging through the African jungle. I think Conrad did it on purpose.

Symbolism.
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CCtheBrave
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Post by CCtheBrave »

this is one of my absolute favorite books! I've read it several times and i love the imagery and the dark tone of the book.
read well and write bravely
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ALynnPowers
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Post by ALynnPowers »

This book made me want to get lost in the jungles of Africa. And not in a good way.
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P Reefer
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Post by P Reefer »

This book left an indelible impact on me. The narrative underscores the potential in every human being for good and evil. This was for me a scary revelation, to experience the depth of the depravity to which Kurtz descended.
_Delly_01
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Post by _Delly_01 »

I've read Heart of Darkness before, and found it difficult to get through. Even with it being a novella. I still don't quite understand what Kurtz meant when he said, "The horror! The horror!" Was he referring to how he'd become a "savage" himself with the implied cannibalism? Or was it because communism itself was horrific?

Writing down my questions, I think I've come to conclusion he says it because he is aware that communism is even more horrific than his horrific, cannibalistic actions... Is that right?

I really do want to know, but I don't know if I can make myself sit through reading it, again.
chaseygatha1
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Post by chaseygatha1 »

This novel gives the viewpoint of the coloniser regarding those he seeks to colonise. The reaction of thr characters Kurtz and Marlowe also seeks to emphasize the possible mindset of a slavemaster to his slave and all that he represents...."the horror".
Consequently, these themes can
be applied to the modern day sex-trafficking industry as those who are subjugated exist under horrifying circumstances and their emotional response could be echoed with these words "the horror".
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NetMassimo
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Post by NetMassimo »

It's interesting how Marlow's quest also represents an introspective journey into human's dark side. In some parts of the story, the natives seem to be considered as savages, primitives who live on their instincts, but the so-called civilized men just hide their darkness, and can be even more savage than the natives.
Ciao :)
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Abdulwahab Maryam
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Post by Abdulwahab Maryam »

It's interesting what you said about Kurtz representing England itself, Knightss. It would make sense that he did.
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