Heart of Darkness Part 2 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

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?

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?

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?

Marlow describes traveling up the river like traveling back to the beginning of time. Signup and view all the answers

How do the cannibals help Marlow?

The cannibals help push the boat for Marlow to move up the river. Signup and view all the answers

What metaphor is used for the steamboat as it moves up the river?

A sluggish beetle crawling on the floor of a lofty portico. Signup and view all the answers

How is the steamboat attacked?

Arrows from natives on the shore. Signup and view all the answers

Who's the only person to die and how is he killed?

The helmsman is hit with a spear after trying to fire at the natives. Signup and view all the answers

How does Marlow frighten the natives and stop the attack?

He blows the whistle. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Marlow dispose of the helmsman's body so quickly?

To save him from the cannibals. Signup and view all the answers

What mysterious book does Marlow find at a station fifty miles below Kurtz's station?

An old book called An Inquiry into some Points of Seamanship. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the man who greets Marlow at the Inner station.

He looked like a harlequin and he comes from Russia. Signup and view all the answers

Marlow thought there were notes written in code in the book he found. What was this cipher?

Russian. Signup and view all the answers

Why do the surroundings seem prehistoric to Marlow?

Uncivilized with a lack of any technology. 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?

Couldn't see because of the fog. 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?

He wants women to remain innocent to balance the evil associated with masculinity. Signup and view all the answers

Kurtz wrote a pamphlet for what organization?

International Society for the Suppression of Savage Custom. 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?

"Exterminate all the brutes!" The savages have become very vicious and he's quite angry. Signup and view all the answers

On what suspenseful note does Conrad end the second installment of the novel?

Marlow is excited to meet the man because his knowledge has changed his mind. 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.