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?
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What does Marlow call himself while telling the story?
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What was Marlow fascinated with as a child?
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Which river is Marlow hypnotized by?
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What is 'The Company'?
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How did Marlow get his 'appointment'?
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Who dies and where?
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Why are both parties freaking out?
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Why did Marlow easily get Fresleven's job?
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Where is the office located and what does it remind Marlow of?
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What freaks Marlow out?
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What language does the company head speak?
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What does Marlow see along the way to Africa?
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How long does it take them to reach the outer coast/station and what do they see?
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What was significant about Marlow's encounter with the doctor before going to Africa?
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What feeling came to Marlow right before leaving for Africa?
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What is described as 'the voice of the surf'?
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What is the deal with Mr. Kurtz?
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When Marlow arrives at the central station, what does he find out?
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What does Marlow think of the manager and what information does the manager tell him?
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What horrible incident happens one night and who is there?
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Why does the brickmaker talk to Marlow?
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What does the brickmaker want?
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What does Marlow really hate?
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When the men aboard the Nellie, everything seems ___?
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What is Marlow fascinated with while the brickmaker talks?
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Why does Marlow need the brickmaker's help and how does he respond?
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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.