Heart of Darkness Prompts

1.    In the scene when Marlowe is in the European office of the ivory company, discuss the significance and symbolism of the following:  the knitting women and their black wool, the yellow patch on the map, the manager’s paleness and corpulence.

2.    Conrad uses the image of the snake several times.  Cite the passages and discuss the possible symbolism.

3.    What is the significance of the forest?  Cite specific passages in which the forest figures heavily.

4.    In what ways is Marlow like or not like Kurtz?  In what ways are these characters static and/or dynamic?

5.    Contrast Kurtz’ black mistress with his Intended.  What is the function of each? 

6.    Discuss Kurtz’ postscript of hate at the end of his writings.  Discuss his final words upon his death.

7.    Is Marlow a trustworthy narrator?  Why or why not?  What is revealed about him as a character and his context?  What biases are expressed?  To what degree do they reflect Conrad?

8.    Throughout the novel Conrad tends to degrade the natives.  He makes them seem inhuman and unearthly.  Discuss the effect this has on characterization in the novel.

9.    Discuss your views on the racism inherent (or not) in Conrad’s novella.  What implications does this have for reading, teaching, and its place in the canon?

10. What elements of the novel suggest that it might be a racist work?  In what ways does Conrad use language subtly or directly to express political views?

11. Discuss Heart of Darkness from a feminist perspective.  Discuss the female characters—their purpose, significance.  What is revealed about the place and image of women?

12. Discuss the narrative style, structure, and tone of the novel.  How does it impact the effect and the meaning?

13. How does Conrad’s language and diction used to describe the natives shift throughout the novel?  What could account for this shift?  What is the effect?

14. Discuss the concept of light and dark throughout the novel?  What do they symbolize?  How do they shift?  Cite specific passages.

15. What is the importance of ivory throughout the novel?  How does it function as both a literal and figurative image?

16. What aspects of and attitudes about imperialism are revealed?  In what ways does this novella represent its time period historically, economically, and politically?

17.  What is the significance of Kurtz’ soul going mad?  What caused his insanity?

18. What might the title represent—the heart of darkness—what is this referring to?