I find Conrad's introduction to be a bit heavy and pretentious. . . much like Marlow. Its very plodding and a bit tedious to read.
I find that the old women in the Company building echo the image of the knitting women in "Tale of Two Cities." What do others think?
I can't say precisely why, but this tale, so far, reminds me of the Eagles' song, "Hotel California". Anyone else get that impression??
Chris
Date sent: Wed, 18 Jun 1997 21:02:23 -0700
From: Bryan
Send reply to: bryan
Organization: Legion of Super-Heroes
Subject: So far, my impressions...
Being only so far as the second stave of chapter one, well, I don't feel the impression that it's like the Eagles song (but it might be something in the imagery and the way it's presented, Chris. Perhaps, it created a "sense memory" for you?)... I did feel while reading the first stave that this is very much the same tone as the "Rime of the Ancient Mariner," in the sense that this is a dark tale told by a sailor, I suppose. I can already see that this is going to be a fitting challenge for the first book that I could start with the rest of you (having only discovered the page a short while ago, during "Prince and the Pauper").
Bryan I
http://www.pulsar.net/~bryan/bryan.html
Date sent: Tue, 07 Oct 1997 21:31:28 -0400
From: Yvonne
Subject: Knitting
Yes, I do believe that Conrad and Dickens used the same image of knitting. Since my Gr. 11 English class already discussed this, I can tell you this is due to the ancient mythology of the three fates. If you've ever seen Hercules (Disney version), the three fates are displayed in the movie. They spin the webs of life and when it's a mortal's time to die, they are the ones that cut that web. It's rather symbolic.
One question.. do you think Marlow weaved his own destiny? Or was it unexpected to him?
Date sent: Mon, 06 Oct 1997 20:27:07 -0500
From: chriss
Subject: Intro to Heart of Darkness
It is an incredible piece of writing!! The symbolism, imagining pre- historic or Roman era Thames valley , savages to be tamed, all sorts of perils braved by some civilized adventurer, in the name of duty, with the possibility of fame and riches or some perceived promise of a political favor upon returning home. Metaphorically, he is setting us up for the trip up river to Kurtz's empire.
The fantasies of ships that have left this river to spawn "new comonwealths". Conrad is a Kiplingite. This is Britannia. As Britain was the heart of darkness for some Roman civilization..Africa is the Heart of Darkness to be explored..exploited..by English civility!
The imagery in the description of the sea..bonding to the sea...the men on deck...the whole narration regarding ships..very rich..very British!!
I haven't read this in 30 years..I don't recall having the same reaction to it back then!!
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