Podcast
Questions and Answers
On what suspenseful note does this second installment begin?
On what suspenseful note does this second installment begin?
Marlow hears conversation from the managers and his uncle about Kurtz having too much influential power.
What does Marlow learn when he overhears the station manager talking to his uncle?
What does Marlow learn when he overhears the station manager talking to his uncle?
Something from Kurtz's distinct way that he is very ill and likely to die.
What is significant about the image Marlow begins to develop of Kurtz?
What is significant about the image Marlow begins to develop of Kurtz?
Marlow believes that Kurtz is a respectable man, who's not evil.
What is the prevailing metaphor Marlow uses to describe traveling up the river?
What is the prevailing metaphor Marlow uses to describe traveling up the river?
Signup and view all the answers
How do the cannibals help Marlow?
How do the cannibals help Marlow?
Signup and view all the answers
What metaphor is used for the steamboat as it moves up the river?
What metaphor is used for the steamboat as it moves up the river?
Signup and view all the answers
How is the steamboat attacked?
How is the steamboat attacked?
Signup and view all the answers
Who's the only person to die and how is he killed?
Who's the only person to die and how is he killed?
Signup and view all the answers
How does Marlow frighten the natives and stop the attack?
How does Marlow frighten the natives and stop the attack?
Signup and view all the answers
Why does Marlow dispose of the helmsman's body so quickly?
Why does Marlow dispose of the helmsman's body so quickly?
Signup and view all the answers
What mysterious book does Marlow find at a station fifty miles below Kurtz's station?
What mysterious book does Marlow find at a station fifty miles below Kurtz's station?
Signup and view all the answers
Describe the man who greets Marlow at the Inner station.
Describe the man who greets Marlow at the Inner station.
Signup and view all the answers
Marlow thought there were notes written in code in the book he found. What was this cipher?
Marlow thought there were notes written in code in the book he found. What was this cipher?
Signup and view all the answers
Why do the surroundings seem prehistoric to Marlow?
Why do the surroundings seem prehistoric to Marlow?
Signup and view all the answers
The steamboat anchors for the night eight miles below Kurtz's station. What troubling events happen in the morning?
The steamboat anchors for the night eight miles below Kurtz's station. What troubling events happen in the morning?
Signup and view all the answers
What does Marlow mean when he says that women must be helped to stay in that beautiful world of their own?
What does Marlow mean when he says that women must be helped to stay in that beautiful world of their own?
Signup and view all the answers
Kurtz wrote a pamphlet for what organization?
Kurtz wrote a pamphlet for what organization?
Signup and view all the answers
What surprising sentence did Kurtz add to his pamphlet long after he wrote it? What might have motivated him to write it?
What surprising sentence did Kurtz add to his pamphlet long after he wrote it? What might have motivated him to write it?
Signup and view all the answers
On what suspenseful note does Conrad end the second installment of the novel?
On what suspenseful note does Conrad end the second installment of the novel?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Key Characters and Themes
- Marlow overhears discussions between the managers and his uncle regarding Kurtz's growing influence, creating tension.
- Kurtz is depicted as a respectable figure in Marlow's perception, suggesting a complexity to his character that transcends evil.
Journey and Imagery
- Traveling up the river is metaphorically compared to a journey back to the dawn of time, emphasizing the primal nature of the expedition.
- The steamboat is described as a "sluggish beetle" crawling in a lofty portico, highlighting its struggle and the daunting nature of the river.
Conflict and Survival
- The steamboat is ambushed by arrows from natives, showcasing the constant threat encountered during the journey.
- The helmsman dies after being hit by a spear while attempting to retaliate, symbolizing the dangers of colonial exploration.
- To frighten the attackers, Marlow successfully blows a whistle, demonstrating quick thinking under pressure.
- Marlow rapidly disposes of the helmsman's body to prevent it from being consumed by the cannibals, reflecting the primal instincts at play.
Discoveries and Encounters
- An old book titled "An Inquiry into some Points of Seamanship" is found by Marlow at a station, hinting at the historical and ambiguous nature of maritime exploration.
- He meets a man resembling a harlequin from Russia at the Inner station, contributing to the surreal atmosphere of the jungle.
Symbolism and Philosophy
- Marlow perceives the environment as prehistoric, devoid of technology, emphasizing themes of civilization versus savagery.
- Heavy morning fog prevents visibility, symbolizing confusion and uncertainty in their mission.
Gender Perspectives
- Marlow comments on the necessity for women to remain in their "beautiful world," suggesting a desire for them to retain innocence amidst male-driven chaos and evil.
Kurtz's Influence and Revelation
- Kurtz authored a pamphlet for the "International Society for the Suppression of Savage Customs," reflecting his ideological beliefs.
- A shocking later addition to his pamphlet reads "exterminate all the brutes!", indicative of his anger towards the savagery he witnesses.
Suspenseful Closure
- The installment concludes with Marlow feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension about meeting Kurtz, hinting at the transformative knowledge Kurtz possesses.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge with these flashcards on the second part of 'Heart of Darkness'. Explore key themes, character insights, and significant plot developments as Marlow navigates the complexities of Kurtz's influence. Perfect for revision or group study to deepen your understanding of this classic text.
