Heart of Darkness Chapter 1 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Where does the story take place?

During a flood on the river Thames in England!

What is the British ship's name and who is on board?

Nellie; the unnamed narrator, a lawyer, an accountant, and Marlow. (Also, an imam, a priest, and a rabbi.)

What is in the west?

An ominous gloom

What does Marlow first tell a story about?

A Roman seaman coming to Britain, encountering horrors and then conquering the natives. Signup and view all the answers

What does Marlow call himself while telling the story?

A fresh water sailor Signup and view all the answers

What was Marlow fascinated with as a child?

Maps because of their blank space! (Specifically Africa) Signup and view all the answers

Which river is Marlow hypnotized by?

The Congo River; like a snake hypnotizing a bird Signup and view all the answers

What is 'The Company'?

The Belgian Ivory Trade firm Marlow decides to apply to; he wants to get his hands on a steamboat! Signup and view all the answers

How did Marlow get his 'appointment'?

Through his aunt's help; she asked a friend of hers whose husband was powerful Signup and view all the answers

Who dies and where?

The commissioned captain Fresleven dies at the hands of fighting Native Americans over an argument over two hens. Signup and view all the answers

Why are both parties freaking out?

Europeans: Because one of their men just got killed; Native Americans: Because they've just killed a god (white man) Signup and view all the answers

Why did Marlow easily get Fresleven's job?

Everyone else thought it was too dangerous. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the office located and what does it remind Marlow of?

Brussels; burial vaults Signup and view all the answers

What freaks Marlow out?

Two women knitting with black yarn (symbol of death) on the doorstep! Signup and view all the answers

What language does the company head speak?

French Signup and view all the answers

What does Marlow see along the way to Africa?

A group of black men rowing a boat, looking natural and energetic; a warship anchored offshore. Signup and view all the answers

How long does it take them to reach the outer coast/station and what do they see?

30 days; they see healthy slaves chained together trying to build a railroad and sick slaves dying in a grove of trees. Signup and view all the answers

What was significant about Marlow's encounter with the doctor before going to Africa?

The doctor measured his head and asked if there was any madness in his family; he says 'Avoid irritation more than exposure to the sun.' This shows that many who go to Africa either die or go insane. Signup and view all the answers

What feeling came to Marlow right before leaving for Africa?

A queer feeling that he was an imposter. Signup and view all the answers

What is described as 'the voice of the surf'?

A positive pleasure Signup and view all the answers

What is the deal with Mr. Kurtz?

He is a top agent that earns the most ivory out of everyone else! Signup and view all the answers

When Marlow arrives at the central station, what does he find out?

His ship has sunk. Signup and view all the answers

What does Marlow think of the manager and what information does the manager tell him?

Thinks he is creepy and annoying; Kurtz is sick and has plans to become manager. Signup and view all the answers

What horrible incident happens one night and who is there?

A shed burns down; the 'brickmaker' aka the manager's spy. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the brickmaker talk to Marlow?

He hopes to get in with Marlow's aunt's connections to gain access to confidential mail. Signup and view all the answers

What does the brickmaker want?

To be assistant manager! Signup and view all the answers

What does Marlow really hate?

Lies! Signup and view all the answers

When the men aboard the Nellie, everything seems ___?

Unreal and dreamlike Signup and view all the answers

What is Marlow fascinated with while the brickmaker talks?

The eerily silent forest! Signup and view all the answers

Why does Marlow need the brickmaker's help and how does he respond?

Marlow needs rivets from the brickmaker to repair the boat; the guy changes the topic to something about a troub... Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Setting and Characters

The story unfolds during a flood on the River Thames in England.
The British ship, named Nellie, carries the unnamed narrator, a lawyer, an accountant, and Marlow, along with other figures like an imam, a priest, and a rabbi.

Themes and Symbolism

The concept of "ominous gloom" is a recurring theme, representing a foreboding presence in the west.
Marlow shares a narrative that begins with a Roman seaman who confronts horrors before conquering indigenous peoples.

Marlow's Background and Aspirations

Marlow identifies as a "fresh water" sailor, signifying his inexperience in deep, treacherous waters.
Fascinated by maps as a child, Marlow is particularly drawn to the uncharted territories of Africa.
The Congo River captivates Marlow, likened to a snake hypnotizing its prey.

The Company and Appointments

Marlow applies to "The Company," a Belgian ivory trade firm, aspiring to acquire a steamboat.
His appointment was facilitated by his aunt, who reached out to her influential friend.

Death and Conflict

Captain Fresleven dies after a conflict with indigenous people over two hens, illustrating colonial tensions.
Both Europeans and the natives expressed distress; Europeans over a loss of a fellow man, and natives over the perceived killing of a god.

Journey to Africa

Marlow assumes Fresleven's position easily, as others deem it too dangerous.
A trip to Brussels and an encounter with two women knitting black yarn foreshadow death and loss.
Marlow witnesses enslaved men enduring severe conditions while attempting to construct a railroad.

Medical Encounter and Mental State

Before departure, Marlow visits a doctor who questions his family history for madness; he advises avoiding irritations.
This encounter highlights the psychological toll of Africa, where many succumb to insanity or death.

Marlow's Impressions

Marlow feels an imposter syndrome right before leaving for Africa.
His initial encounter with the sea brings him pleasure, contrasting the heaviness of preceding events.

Notable Figures and Discoveries

Mr. Kurtz stands out as a leading ivory agent, noted for his substantial contributions to the trade.
Upon arriving at the central station, Marlow learns that his steamboat has sunk, complicating his journey.

Interactions at the Central Station

Marlow perceives the station's manager as unsettling and learns of Kurtz’s illness and ambitions.
A concerning incident occurs when a shed burns down, alongside the presence of the manager’s spy, the "brickmaker."

Underlying Deception

The brickmaker seeks to leverage Marlow’s aunt's connections for his aspirations as assistant manager.
Marlow expresses intense disdain for lies and manipulation within his interactions.

Reflections and Observations

While aboard the Nellie, Marlow reflects on the surreal and dreamlike quality of their circumstances.
His fascination with the eerie silence of the surrounding forest surfaces during conversations with the brickmaker.
Marlow requires rivets for boat repairs, but the brickmaker diverts the topic to personal ambitions.

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Description

Explore the key concepts and characters of Chapter 1 of 'Heart of Darkness' through this engaging flashcard quiz. Test your knowledge on the setting, important figures, and significant themes introduced in this classic novella.