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Post by Loretta Matthews on Nov 2, 2022 15:13:00 GMT -8
Throughout the text “Heart of Darkness”, author Joseph Conrad utilizes vivid imagery and figurative language to put the reader in the position of the characters as well as colloquialism in order to immerse the reader in the dialogue as well as give the reader context on the time period and setting. Towards the beginning of the text the author draws an image of the setting in the readers mind by using figurative speech in addition to vivid imagery. “the sea and the sky were welded together without a joint, and in the luminous space the tanned sails of the barges drifting up with the tide seemed to stand still in red clusters of canvas sharply peaked, with gleams of varnished sprit”. In this portion of the text the author describes the environment surrounding the characters and establishes that they are at sea. The use of figurative language exaggerates the different aspects of their surroundings such as the sea in comparison to the sky and the tide. Colloquialism is also used throughout the text in order to portray the language of the men while at sea, this allows the reader to gain a sense of the time period. “‘I suppose you fellows remember I did once turn fresh-water sailor for a bit,’ that we knew we were fated, before the ebb began to run, to hear about one of Marlow’s inconclusive experiences.“ This quote shows the slang used between the characters shows a general time frame as well as depicts the more relaxed attitude they had at sea.
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Post by avery washington on Nov 2, 2022 15:13:02 GMT -8
The initial setting of the story has a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. The Nellie was anchored down, “without a flutter of the sails, and was at rest” (65). The wind is described as calm and the “cruising yawl” and river remains unwavered as “the only thing for it was to come to and wait for the turn of the tide” (65). A sense of stillness is described as the tanned sails remained motionless and “A haze rested on the low shores that ran out to sea in vanishing flatness” (65). A slight shift occurs as Conrad goes on to describe the sun set as the sky’s “glowing white changed to a dull red without rays and without heat” (66). Still the overall atmosphere of the setting remains tranquil and quiet.
Additionally, we get an idea as to what time period this story takes place as Marlow describes how “They were no colonists…They were conquerors” (69). This suggests the story occurs during a time of colonialism, likely the 18th century.
However, as Marlow begins to talk, there is a large shift. He describes “Flames glided in the river, small green flames, red flames, white flames, pursuing, overtaking, joining, crossing each other—then separating slowly or hastily” (70). This creates a more intense and energetic tone as he recalls his experience. He goes on to describe more physical aspects of when he was. “‘A narrow and deserted street in deep shadow, high houses, innumerable windows with venetian blinds, a dead silence, grass sprouting between the stones, imposing carriage archways right and left, immense double doors standing ponderously ajar’” (73).
There is yet another shift in the story as Marlow recounts the story that the Swedish captain had told him. Marlow’s description of the “miserable little wharf” (79) as well as the captain’s unfortunate story creates an ominous atmosphere.
This does not last long as another shift occurs as they reach the Company’s Outer Station. “A rocky cliff appeared, mounds of turned-up earth by the shore, houses on a hill, others with iron roofs, amongst a waste of excavations, or hanging to the declivity” (79). This provides an image of a more rugged and rigorous setting.
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Post by Blair Landherr on Nov 2, 2022 15:14:38 GMT -8
Heart of Darkness is set in the 1900s. It begins the story in London on the Thames River, where the protagonist describes his experiences traveling through a different river. We know that the narrator is on the Thames because it says, “The sea-reach of the Thames stretched before us like the beginning of an interminable waterway.” We can see the time of day when it says, “And at last, in its curved and imperceptible fall, the sun sank low, and from glowing white changed to a dull red without rays and without heat, as if about to go out suddenly.” This shows that the time of day was dusk, and the sun was going down. There is a lighthouse near them that they see light up. Marlow begins to tell the story of his experiences as a freshwater sailor. The setting switches to a doctor’s office as he prepares for his journey on the river. He then begins describing his journey on the river and the area that he was in. He says, “The edge of a colossal jungle, so dark-green as to be almost black, fringed with white surf, ran straight, like a ruled line, far, far away along a blue sea whose glitter was blurred by a creeping mist. The sun was fierce, the land seemed to glisten and drip with steam”. The way Marlow describes the setting sets the tone for the story. He describes the setting as “the oily and languid sea, the uniform sombreness of the coast.” This setting description shows that Marlow was not super happy at the time. I forgot to include my question in my original post. Why does the setting change from sunny to gloomy so many times in the beginning of the story? |
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Post by Blair Landherr on Nov 2, 2022 15:22:19 GMT -8
The text “Heart of Darkness”, by Joseph Conrad, begins with a peaceful setting to create a slow, vivid start that eases the reader into the story. Such is shown through the introduction of “The flood had made, the wind was nearly calm, and being bound down the river, the only thing for it was to come to and wait for the turn of the tide” (Conrad 65). However, this also gives way to the inference that the calm water will change to unrest and possible excitement. The text later states, “Afterwards there was silence on board the yacht. … We felt meditative, and fit for nothing but placid staring” (Conrad 66).The author connects the sea to the concept of serenity to give an understanding of the narrator’s enjoyment of being on the water. As the story progresses from day to night saying, “The sun set; the dusk fell on the stream, and lights began to appear along the shore” (Conrad 67), it reveals a shift in mood. The darkness creates a new environment that foretells a dark and restless setting that creates unsettling feelings within the reader. However, even as the setting darkens and the surroundings become unfamiliar, the author instills confidence in the narrator through saying, “One ship is very much like another, and the sea is always the same. In the immutability of their surroundings, the foreign shores, the foreign faces, …” (Conrad 67). This emphasizes that even as the narrator is unsure of their surroundings, they are confident being on the water and understanding the sea. One question is why the setting shifts from calm to unsettled so quickly, when the story has barely begun? Kendal, I really liked your response to the prompt. I like how you pointed out how the shift in setting creates a shift in the mood of the story. I also noticed that the shift to a darker setting makes the reader feel a little bit unsettled. I agree with all of your points and enjoyed reading your post. I had a similar question about why the setting switches a lot. I found the story a little hard to follow. Thanks for sharing your findings. |
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Post by Kendal Bulman on Nov 2, 2022 15:22:33 GMT -8
In the text, "The Heart of Darkness" a majority of section 1 is consumed by Marlow's dialogue in which he explains the sense of darkness in vivid detail. The setting describes the eeriness of the gloom and silence in the town that the characters are located in. For example, the text states, "The air was dark above Gravesend, and farther back still seemed condensed into a mournful gloom, brooding motionless over the biggest, and the greatest, town on earth."(Conrad, 65). First of all, this gloom has been personified to be able to "brood" which demonstrates the extent of the darkness and how it was felt by the townspeople. The significance of the greatest town on earth feeling this darkness so profoundly is daunting because normally they are meant to have more connection and light-hearted sentiments associated with them. Another example of this darkness in the setting, states, "A narrow and deserted street in deep shadow,high houses, innumerable windows with venetian blinds, a dead silence, grass sprouting between the stones, imposing carriage archways right and left, immense double doors standing ponderously ajar." (Conrad 73). This time the silence is brought into the picture which makes the already gloomy darkeness stretch on as silence does. Furthermore, the author states, "I came upon more pieces of decaying machinery, a stack of rusty rails. To the left a clump of trees made a shady spot, where dark things seemed to stir feebly" (Conrad, 80). The effect of such rusty and shady pieces in this setting adds to the darkness and begins to add weight to how scary it can be to lurk in the darkness. Another instance in the text states, "The great wall of vegetation, an exuberant and entangled mass of trunks, branches, leaves, boughs, festoons, motionless in the moonlight, was like a rioting invasion of soundless life, a rolling wave of plants, piled up, crested, ready to topple over the creek, to sweep every little man of us out of his little existence." (Conrad, 98). This example is at the end of the first section and combines all the examples of darkness accumulated into one; the gloom, the silence, the rolling wave motion stretching on forever, like the darkness.This is very insightful! I agree that the author creates a dark setting, but also has a peaceful setting before the transition to gloom. For example, the text begins with “The flood had made, the wind was nearly calm, and being bound down the river, the only thing for it was to come to and wait for the turn of the tide” (Conrad 65). I thought that the connection you found between the town and darkness is very interesting and it reveals complexity to the location that would not be considered within the light, calm setting of the day. Great job! |
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Post by Gabby Trevino on Nov 2, 2022 15:26:11 GMT -8
Response to Lauren G:
I really enjoyed the diction that you used to describe the setting! I hold a similar belief that the weather is supposed to signify events to come. I also liked how you classified this setting in relation to the generic plot structure. The evidence that you used was very effective and furthered the points that you were trying to make. Your explanations were very thorough too. I didn't catch the juxtaposition that you saw with the city and gloomy sea, but I see it now and how it adds to the setting. Initially, I didn't recognize the tension that you pointed out that occurred between the crew members, but now I see how it adds to the setting and contrasts with the initial comradery that is shown.
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Post by Blair Landherr on Nov 2, 2022 15:26:40 GMT -8
Heart of Darkness, by Joseph Conrad, starts with vivid descriptions that set the scene and add imagery to the readers’ minds. The setting of the novel is a ship, specifically the Nellie, which appears to be going through a calm part of the ocean. Conrad writes, “. The flood had made, the wind was nearly calm, and being bound down the river, the only thing for it was to come to and wait for the turn of the tide…”(Conrad 68). It seems that the main characters are expecting the sea to get more rough, but for now it is calm. This could possibly serve to foreshadow events that will follow in the future. The surroundings besides the water seem very dark and ominous, with depictions of the sky being gloomy. The author writes, “The air was dark above Gravesend, and farther back still seemed condensed into a mournful gloom, brooding motionless…” (Conrad 68). This setting along with the title of the novel allow us to predict that something mysterious or unexpected might happen, as gloom and darkness often represent the unknown. In addition, the sea can also represent the unknown or something unexpected that could transpire later in the book. In another description of the sky, Conrad writes, “ Imagine him here—the very end of the world, a sea the colour of lead, a sky the colour of smoke, a kind of ship about as rigid as a concertina..” (Conrad 75) Each of these descriptions establish a melancholic mood as well. The main character is surrounded by other sailors who are in his similar position, but some are more experienced, such as the character Marlow, who describes his personal experiences with the sea. The men on this sheep seem to have some sort of comradery, which is evidenced by their interactions. Conrad writes, “We four affectionately watched his back as he stood in the bows looking to seaward.” (Conrad 68). In addition to the physical setting, we see a setting between the characters and their close, intertwined relationship. It leads us to wonder how the plot development will test their resolve and connection as a group. Gabby, I really liked your response to the prompt. I like how you pointed out how the characters expecting the sea to get rough could be foreshadowing what will come later in the book. I also noticed that the shift to a darker setting makes the reader feel a little bit unsettled about what is to come. I agree with all of your points and enjoyed reading your post. Thanks for sharing your findings. |
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Post by Kendal Bulman on Nov 2, 2022 15:31:08 GMT -8
Heart of Darkness is set in the 1900s. It begins the story in London on the Thames River, where the protagonist describes his experiences traveling through a different river. We know that the narrator is on the Thames because it says, “The sea-reach of the Thames stretched before us like the beginning of an interminable waterway.” We can see the time of day when it says, “And at last, in its curved and imperceptible fall, the sun sank low, and from glowing white changed to a dull red without rays and without heat, as if about to go out suddenly.” This shows that the time of day was dusk, and the sun was going down. There is a lighthouse near them that they see light up. Marlow begins to tell the story of his experiences as a freshwater sailor. The setting switches to a doctor’s office as he prepares for his journey on the river. He then begins describing his journey on the river and the area that he was in. He says, “The edge of a colossal jungle, so dark-green as to be almost black, fringed with white surf, ran straight, like a ruled line, far, far away along a blue sea whose glitter was blurred by a creeping mist. The sun was fierce, the land seemed to glisten and drip with steam”. The way Marlow describes the setting sets the tone for the story. He describes the setting as “the oily and languid sea, the uniform sombreness of the coast.” This setting description shows that Marlow was not super happy at the time. The background information adds great insight and furthers understanding of the text. The river helps with understanding of the location as it often refers to the water as the sea. I thought it was interesting how the setting had constant shifts, however they all revolved around the water. It seems that the narrator is content with his current place on the water and finds peace there. However, as the text transitions to the retelling of a story, its settings turn dark and unhappy. From this, we can infer a possible trauma that occurs in the past that makes the story darker. Great job! |
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Post by Gabby Trevino on Nov 2, 2022 15:39:44 GMT -8
The text “Heart of Darkness”, by Joseph Conrad, begins with a peaceful setting to create a slow, vivid start that eases the reader into the story. Such is shown through the introduction of “The flood had made, the wind was nearly calm, and being bound down the river, the only thing for it was to come to and wait for the turn of the tide” (Conrad 65). However, this also gives way to the inference that the calm water will change to unrest and possible excitement. The text later states, “Afterwards there was silence on board the yacht. … We felt meditative, and fit for nothing but placid staring” (Conrad 66).The author connects the sea to the concept of serenity to give an understanding of the narrator’s enjoyment of being on the water. As the story progresses from day to night saying, “The sun set; the dusk fell on the stream, and lights began to appear along the shore” (Conrad 67), it reveals a shift in mood. The darkness creates a new environment that foretells a dark and restless setting that creates unsettling feelings within the reader. However, even as the setting darkens and the surroundings become unfamiliar, the author instills confidence in the narrator through saying, “One ship is very much like another, and the sea is always the same. In the immutability of their surroundings, the foreign shores, the foreign faces, …” (Conrad 67). This emphasizes that even as the narrator is unsure of their surroundings, they are confident being on the water and understanding the sea. One question is why the setting shifts from calm to unsettled so quickly, when the story has barely begun? Response to Kendal B: I concur with your analysis of how the different components of the setting serve as plot devices. I found your explanations to be very thorough and helpful, and the evidence was well-selected. I initially did not recognize the shift of setting and how this could translate to a shift in the mood of the story, but your explanation helped me to understand. I also found the contrast between the narrator and his surroundings that you discussed to be very insightful and helpful in deciphering how the plot might continue. I agree with your question as well, and I am interested to see how this setting shift could reflect future events. |
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Post by Anna on Nov 2, 2022 15:40:28 GMT -8
The book Heart of Darkness, by Joseph Conrad, is set on a boat called the Nellie that is in the water but not moving, potentially set in a river or in the ocean. It is not very windy, so it could be a steam boat or a boat with sails. The crew is waiting until they can get moving again. This is explained by a quote that states, “The Nellie, a cruising yawl, swung to her anchor without a flutter of the sails, and was at rest. The flood had made, the wind was nearly calm, and being bound down the river, the only thing for it was to come to and wait for the turn of the tide.” It is early in the morning or late at night with fog and mist above the water. The boat has a view of a city, meaning it is docked on the coast, as explained by, “A haze rested on the low shores that ran out to sea in vanishing flatness. The air was dark above Gravesend, and farther back still seemed condensed into a mournful gloom, brooding motionless over the biggest, and the greatest town on earth,” There are also experienced sailors on the boat, and most likely they have returned from their journey to other places. An example that shows this is , “Between us there was, as I have already said somewhere, the bond of the sea.”Currently, the sun is going down and it's getting dark. Story also takes place in England, which is revealed by the addition of the “Essex marsh” in the quote that states, “The day was ending in a serenity of still and exquisite brilliance. The water shone pacifically; the sky, without a speck, was a benign immensity of unstained light; the very mist on the Essex marsh was like a gauzy and radiant fabric.” Furthermore, the sky is very orange and red and the sun is in the process of setting. The atmosphere is also very ominous due to the fog, which can be seen in the quote that states, “And at last, in its curved and imperceptible fall, the sun sank low, and from glowing white changed to a dull red without rays and without heat, as it was about to go out suddenly, stricken to death by the touch of that gloom brooding over a crown of men.” To add onto the overall location, the story takes place on a river used for importing goods to England. It is a dock where boats stop after their travels from other countries or continents. In the book it is stated that, “The old river in its broad reach rested unruffled at the decline of day, after ages of good service done to the race that peopled its banks, spread out in the tranquil dignity of a waterway leading to the uttermost ends of earth.” There is a shift in the setting, as it is dark now, and the lighthouse shines bright light onto the river, which is described in a quote that explains, “The sun set; dusk fell on the stream, and lights began to appear along the shore. The Chapman lighthouse, a three legged thing erect on a mud-flat, shone strongly.” Finally, the river is busy with boats, and there is a mass influx of boats passing through that is keeping the characters from leaving the boat. In the story the narrator illustrates, “Flames glided in the river, small green flames, red flames, white flames, pursuing, overtaking, joining, crossing each other - then separating slowly or hastily. The traffic of the great city went on in the deepening night upon the sleepless river.” One question I have for the story is, what are the sailors waiting for? Have they returned from their travels or are they waiting to set sail?
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Post by Madalynn C. on Nov 2, 2022 15:46:51 GMT -8
In Jospeh Conrad's novel "Heart of Darkness", vivid imagery and figurative language play an important role in describing the setting of the story. The setting is made clear as "the Nellie, a cruising yawl, swung to her anchor
without a flutter of the sails and was at rest" (65). Immediately, we are given that visual imagery imagining a boat stopping at a certain destination. There is sense of calmness, as the "offing the sea and the sky were welded together
without a joint" (65). This imagery can be interpreted as the narrator wishing to be a part of nature, because it is so peaceful. As the sailors reach the Island, there is fog that is "dark above Gravesend"(65). Before they reached the Island, everything was peaceful, and now there is a dark cloud above them. The shift in setting from peaceful, to dark is symbolism. This symbolism can mean that there is danger approaching them ahead. Marlow, a seaman describes this Island as "one of the dark places of the earth" (68). He acknowledges the eerie feeling that the Island gives off. The river did not have any light before they reached Congo Island, however, now that they have, "Flames glided in the river, small green flames, red flames, white flames, pursuing overtaking, joining, crossing each other then separating slowly or hastily"(70). Marlow is experienced, compared to the rest of the men and the flames in the river are the danger that he has experienced.
Q: Could the shift in setting be the narrator's thoughts on his past?
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Post by Madalynn C. on Nov 2, 2022 15:58:40 GMT -8
The Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad commences forth with its illustrative scenery in its opening part. The sailors start the day amicably, remarking on the glory and beauty of their surroundings at sea. “The day was ending in a serenity of still and exquisite brilliance. The water shone pacifically; the sky, without a speck, was a benign immensity of unstained light; the very mist on the Essex marshes was like a gauzy and radiant fabric, hung from the wooded rises inland, and draping the low shores in diaphanous folds (Conrad 4)” However, Conrad hints towards the harsher reality that they would have to face, with a noticable shift towards the sinister. “Only the gloom to the west, brooding over the upper reaches, became more sombre every minute, as if angered by the approach of the sun. And at last, in its curved and imperceptible fall, the sun sank low, and from glowing white changed to a dull red without rays and without heat, as if about to go out suddenly, stricken to death by the touch of that gloom brooding over a crowd of men (Conrad 4)” It is later remarked that the “serenity became less brilliant but more profound” (Conrad 4), possibly hinting at how the beauty of the landscape is diminished by some sort of inevitable moral repugnance, and the human introspection that a protagonist must consider. As night befalls, an inauspicious tone becomes an all-pervading force in the setting. “And farther west on the upper reaches the place of the monstrous town was still marked ominously on the sky, a brooding gloom in sunshine, a lurid glare under the stars (Conrad 6)” I recognize that Heart of Darkness is one of the most influential works at bringing awareness of the moral ills of colonialism and dispelling some of the beliefs of racial supremacy in previous classes, therefore, I recognize the dark turn that the book will indubitably have. However, I have questions on how this setting perpetuates the theme of the novel, with whether the remarks on the surrounding ocean landscape have any meaning beyond foreshadowing of the following events that are to occur. I liked your take on this. I also found the same shift in setting. As they reach the Island it becomes "dark" and "gloomy". I also found that the scenery could be depicted as beautiful and peaceful. I liked how you described the beautiful setting, turning into something sinister. That's such an interesting way to describe what is happening in the setting. We had some of the same findings, but I did not see it as complex as you did. You did a great job on identifying the vivid imagery and along with your complex language. I actually have the same question as you and we can already see that something negative is going to happen in the story. |
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Post by Madalynn C. on Nov 2, 2022 16:05:32 GMT -8
Throughout the text “Heart of Darkness”, author Joseph Conrad utilizes vivid imagery and figurative language to put the reader in the position of the characters as well as colloquialism in order to immerse the reader in the dialogue as well as give the reader context on the time period and setting. Towards the beginning of the text the author draws an image of the setting in the readers mind by using figurative speech in addition to vivid imagery. “the sea and the sky were welded together without a joint, and in the luminous space the tanned sails of the barges drifting up with the tide seemed to stand still in red clusters of canvas sharply peaked, with gleams of varnished sprit”. In this portion of the text the author describes the environment surrounding the characters and establishes that they are at sea. The use of figurative language exaggerates the different aspects of their surroundings such as the sea in comparison to the sky and the tide. Colloquialism is also used throughout the text in order to portray the language of the men while at sea, this allows the reader to gain a sense of the time period. “‘I suppose you fellows remember I did once turn fresh-water sailor for a bit,’ that we knew we were fated, before the ebb began to run, to hear about one of Marlow’s inconclusive experiences.“ This quote shows the slang used between the characters shows a general time frame as well as depicts the more relaxed attitude they had at sea. I also had the same idea as you. Conrad uses vivid imagery throughout the story so that readers understand the setting better. I did not find any Colloquialism, but you did a great job on explaining it. We differ a bit though as you described more of the peaceful setting. I described the shift from peaceful to dark. I really like your ideas though; your findings are all backed up by evidence. I didn't recognize the language of the men at sea, but with your post it is clear now. Great job and thanks for sharing. |
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Post by Henry C. on Nov 2, 2022 16:14:43 GMT -8
In the novel the Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, the author first depicts a peaceful, tranquil, and harmonious setting, as seen in the description of the river, “ the flood had made, the wind was near calm, and being bound down the river, the only thing for it was to come to and wait for the turn of the tide.” (Conrad, 65) This is a vivid image that the author provides for the audience, which establishes the first impression of the setting for the readers. It suggests that the story starts off in a seemingly peaceful environment. This atmosphere of tranquility was further reaffirmed by the description of the activities on the ship, “Afterwards for some reason or other, we didn't begin the game of dominoes. We felt meditative, and fit for nothing but placid staring. (Conrad, 66) Later descriptions of the setting and the surrounding environment further establish this feeling of peace and serenity, as seen in the author’s depiction “The day was ending in a serenity of still and exquisite brilliance. The water shone pacifically; the sky, without a speck, was a benign immensity of unstained light.” (Conrad 66) However, the author also suggests a transition from the initial tranquility, with the change in position and time. The author specifically depicts “the sun sank low,” (Conrad 66), which indicates that the setting of the story is now at nighttime. The statement “Forthwith a change came over the waters, and the serenity became less brilliant but more profound.” (Conrad, 66) This transition could be associated with the change in time, but it also suggests that a difference in atmosphere and environment is going to happen.
One question that I have is- what’s the significance of the setting of such a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, and what purpose does it serve?
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Post by riaparikh on Nov 2, 2022 16:37:49 GMT -8
In "Heart of Darkness'' by Joseph Conrad, the author pays special attention to imagery in the story, successfully painting a deep and descriptive picture of the setting. In part one, the narrator starts off with a description of the water, as the men are on the River Thames. He states, "The day was ending in a serenity of still and exquisite brilliance. The water shone pacifically; the sky, without a speck, was a benign immensity of unstained light; the very mist on the Essex marsh was like a gauzy and radiant fabric, hung from the wooded rises inland, and draping the low shores in diaphanous folds." (Conrad 4) With this statement, he portrays an ambient setting and serene calmness on the river. This adds to a lazy and unbothered tone, in which the men seem to be satisfied with their current situation and unbothered by any future or past occurrences. This remains the story until the sun sets and Marlow begins his commentary, and then his story. With such, the setting now shifts until he notably ends up in the building of the "Company". This is described less elegantly than the river, as Marlow infuses his story with his feelings of intimidation, stating "A narrow and deserted street in deep shadow, high houses, innumerable windows with venetian blinds, a dead silence, grass sprouting between the stones, imposing carriage archways right and left, immense double doors standing ponderously ajar…Its light was dim, and a heavy writing-desk squatted in the middle.” (Conrad 14) This description of his setting likely provides initial characterization of the company, as the lack of beauty and excitement contrasts his excitement for being on the river. He then moves the setting back to the river, this time full of energy, a contrast to the initial water-setting.
Question: In the beginning of the story, is the narrator supposed to be another character on the ship?
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