Life of Conrad
What were the circumstances of Conrad’s birth and early childhood?
spent the first 13 years of his life under the rule of imperialist Russia with his Polish nationalist parents until their passing when he was adopted by his uncle
What was Conrad’s purpose in writing Heart of Darkness?
- deeply disturbed by the treatment of the african people and wanted to expose the greed and hypocrisy
- explore themes of human nature, morality and the darkness within all of us (kurtz)
What is the primary event in Conrad’s life that inspired Heart of Darkness?
His devastating experiences on his voyage to the Congo.
What did Conrad believe about the European influence in the Congo?
found it to be terrible → “the vilest scramble for loot” recorded in history
How did Conrad’s early life experiences impact his perspective on imperialism?
Because he grew up under Russian imperialism and faced harsh exile with his family for his fathers Polish nationalism, his already strong emotions about the cruelty of imperialism were amplified when he traveled to the Congo and witnessed the devastation of the indigenous people
What impact did Heart of Darkness have on European society after it was published?
- challenged many assumptions and beliefs that were prevelant in the society at the time
- adapted into numerous plays, films, and other works of art
- shaped the literary and artistic movement in the early 20th century
What happened to Conrad on his own voyage to the Congo?
He witnessed the severe devastation of the indigenous people and the land under Belgian rule and is so disgusted that he is unable to ever return to his naval work after returning to England
How did Conrad criticize imperialism in Heart of Darkness?
- depiction of exploitation of the african people by the european colonizers and how the africans are treated as objects to benefit the colonizers
- portrayal of the characters
What led up to Conrad becoming such an influential author?
British were concerned with the Belgian occupation of the Congo, and upon the publication of Heart of Darkness people flocked to read it because it fuelled their curiosity and heighted their concern.
What is the significance of the "Congo River" in Conrad's "Heart of Darkness?"
What are the key ways that Heart of Darkness relates to Conrad’s life?
- own experiences of colonialism shaped views
Why did Conrad refuse knighthood later in his life?
- Uncomfortable being identified with with a particular country and nationality since he felt that accepting knighthood would compromise his integrity and sense of identity
- Accepting knighthood would compromise his independence as a writer