HOD essay: topic

I am thinking of exploring how Conrad's novel, HOD, relates to Freud's theory about dreams... My focus will be on how Marlow cannot directly express the wishes of his id because according to Freudism, that is too confronting, vulnerable, and terrifying and how everyone in the novel ends up living on their own. I will also be analyzing specific quotes from Murfin and Karl as additional information to support my idea. 

Murfin

I don't necessarily agree with Freud's theories that are directly or indirectly concerned with the nature of the unconscious mind, suggesting that the powers motivating men and women are mainly and normally unconscious. However, I do believe and understand that that we have repressed wishes and fears. Murfin claims that characters represent the author's alter ego, persona, or repression. I believe this is not always the case... but it can be sometimes. In addition, Murfin brings up a good point that Freud wrote about the unconscious mind and the id/supergo, whereas Conrad wrote about sexual fascinations and evils. Moreover, Murfin also affirms that novels reflect authors' dreams... I find this is a little odd. 

Heart of Darkness Day 9 (the end)

Marlow goes to see Kurtz’s Intended at the end of the novel. He is uncertain whether his version of Kurtz has any value either as a reflection of reality or as a philosophical form. Marlow declares that he knew Kurtz “‘as well as it is possible for one man to know another.’” The reader easily sees that Marlow’s response is merely an accomplishment, not an affirmation. The reader now understands that Marlow barely knows himself. In addition, the reader can make a connection back to the beginning of the novel: Marlow depicts his experiences to his friends because it creates an implied comparison between the travelers' lives as well as his own. The men, traveling onboard the Nellie, benefit economically from imperialism; however, Marlow has benefited mainly from experience.

Heart of Darkness Day 8

Marlow frowns upon Fate since he cannot fathom it or its purpose. However, he does learn from it. Through Fate, he learns of his deepest self but is also left with "a crop of unextinguishable regrets."  Throughout the novel, Fate does not seem to have a happy ending for anyone. Once Marlow approaches Kurtz's mistress', the Intended's, house, the past becomes intensely and distinctly alive for him. Kurtz’s Intended seems as if she is not affected by the damages nor the comforts of passing time. She stretches the time of mourning into eternity.

"...he seemed to have died only yesterday – nay, this very minute. I saw her and him in the same instant of time – his death and her sorrow – I saw her sorrow in the very moment of his death. Do you understand? I saw them together – I heard them together." (3.53)

Heart of Darkness Day 7

Kurtz is ruled by evil; two evils fight for Kurtz’s soul and both fill his mind with greedy thoughts. Kurtz is so claimed by evil that, metaphorically, light cannot touch him anymore. Marlow claims that being alone in the wilderness has driven Kurtz’s soul mad. However, Kurtz cannot win for he is blind to what has trapped him. In his dying days, Kurtz’s words become more and more incomprehensible. Kurtz’s madness is causing him to go blind; he cannot see the sunlight. He is completely immersed in the darkness and evil of his soul.

Heart of Darkness Day 6

One of Freud's philosophies is that man exhibits aggression and violence to successfully oppress and control. Once the steam ship was attacked and several men died, some discovered ivory in the decay of the dead animals surrounding them. They immediately alter their focus to the alluring findings of ivory and ignore the suffering and wounded fighters. In addition, Marlow’s response to the helmsman’s death reflects the general atmosphere of inconsistency, greed, and absurdity. As opposed to mourning his right-hand man, Marlow changes his socks and shoes.

Heart of Darkness Day 5

Kurtz is portrayed as a symbol to all of the characters in the novel. For example, the natives praise him as a powerful supreme being. In addition, to the Russian trader, he represents knowledge about everything from wealth to romance. Marlow admires him as the symbol of all nightmares, mysteries, and darkness. However, he is regarded as a fool to the manager and the pilgrims because they punish him for failing to advocate the educated ideals of colonialism, making themselves appear less guilty. 

Heart of Darkness Day 4

“In a few days the Eldorado Expedition went into the patient wilderness, that closed upon it as the sea closes over a diver. Long afterwards the news came that all the donkeys were dead. I know nothing as to the fate of the less valuable animals. They, no doubt, like the rest of us, found what they deserved. I did not inquire.” 

Marlow watches the Eldorado Exploring Expedition fix themselves up and then retreat from the Central Station. The mysterious report is the only news he receives regarding their destiny. This ironic quote is characteristic of Marlow; it connotes that he has solely come to see white men as "less valuable animals." Moreover, Marlow has already come to doubt the establishment of the Expedition's fate; thus, he does not seek additional information about the journey. "Patient wilderness" connotes that the Expedition's future is insignificant even with larger calamities and meaningless when considered in the essence of nature's timespan. 

Analyzing Freud's philosophy behind human nature

Unlike Jean-Jacques Rousseau's major philosophical statement that man is born inherently good, but is society that corrupts him, Sigmund Freud believes the entire opposite. He declares that man is born inherently bad and that society improves or betters him. He focuses on the domineering, dark side of human nature. So far, Heart of Darkness discusses the theme of darkness in the chapter when Marlow encounters the slaves in Africa. Moreover, Marlow embodies Freud's philosophy when he claims to be above the laborers in the novel. In addition, Freud affirms that man's choices are governed by uncontrollable, motivating forces in the mental realm. Freud asserts that man have no control over these mental processes and that sexual energy, libido, is the single most important force in human nature; thus, they energize the mind in all of its functions. His work and theories have helped us shape our views of childhood, personality, memory, sexuality, and therapy.

Heart of Darkness Day 3

After Marlow disembarks at the Company's station, he encounters a group of black prisoners walking along in chains. Marlow cynically remarks over how the European arrival has led this men to malnutrition, exhaustion, and dehydration. In addition, he criticizes the structures surrounding the camp and continues to regard the other characters with skepticism and apprehension. Furthermore, Marlow comes across a small wood to find a group of dying native laborers. He offers one of the starving workers a biscuit. Moreover, Marlow finds himself fascinated with the white European yarn tied around the laborers' neck and is intrigued to discover its meaning. 

Heart of Darkness Day 2

The two female gatekeepers knitting black clothing in the company station in Africa connote the gateway within the abyss of darkness. Once Marlow accepts embarking on his quest, he encounters the general manager who appears to be an average man; however, Marlow suspects an odd uneasiness about his character. Moreover, the general manager claims that Kurtz is rumored to be ill and cannot meet with Marlow. He also declares that he took the boat out in a hurry to relieve the inner stations. 

Heart of Darkness (Opening)

HW due Jan 8 (or Jan 9 for C per)

Blog due on first pages of Conrad:

Question: How does the opening set a tone for how to read the novel?

Read 5 pages

       Our unnamed narrator opens the novel with the evening he spend abroad the Nellie. Only through him do we meet Marlow. In addition, Marlow himself tells the framed story so most of the narration is told from his point of view. Moreover, this introduction sets a tone for how to read the novel. So far, the novel has a negative outlook on life. Marlow constantly refers to angry, morbid, frightful, and dark images, based on Conrad's own negative reaction to his journey up the Congo River.