Like Wuthering Heights, you will see the use of frame narrative and dense flowery language that is extremely hard to digest. Conrad gives a breif intro as an unnamed narrator and then marlow takes over most of the narration throughout the story. then kurtz's story is heard, so there are not two but three narrators to the story. Close reading is also essential to this novel. when you first see it you will be unimpressed as it is only around 110 pages, however when you see the text you will be astonished. Once again i will say good luck with this book it and wuthering heights will be the most difficult all year.
Although this book is not written in the same gothic and flowery language as Wuthering Heights and Frankenstein, it is written in a way that makes you stop and think. Heart of Darkness disguises itself as an easy read because of it's length, but, even on the first page, it can begin to lose readers. Conrad uses several narratives throughout the book, which can and will be hard to understand. This is a book that I would recommend reading twice, if you have the time and patience, just because it needs to be examined and thought about. Heart of Darkness is not an easy read and will probably prove to be one of the most difficult books read all year.
Heart of Darkness is a book all about the detail. Each word that Conrad uses has purpose and many sentences have hidden meaning. The book is filled with symbolism and its important to take the time to figure out what each one means because chances are this same symbol will be repeated multiple times. Something important to think about is whether or not you think Conrad is a racist. The way he describes the natives is defiantly degrading, but is he just a product of his time?
Heart of Darkness is very based upon symbolism. It is important that the reader takes notes on the major symbols and motifs for reference later, and that they note their meanings. The text itself is not so much about the events along the journey, but is instead about the conversations had along the way and the setting. If one cannot get caught up in the superfluous language, the reading experience would be much more enjoyable.
Heart of Darkness is an amazing book. It was written in the late 1800's in Great Britain so that means there will be large words and strange grammar. But really that seems to be what gives the book its individuality. The book is pretty short with long chapters mind you. Its a book about human nature and how some people see other humans as monkeys just because they aren't developed as the British. What you should look out for are symbols. One key symbol to look for is fog. Also, remember this (cause it will help you in the end) think of this: the Africans roll their eyes to reveal the whites in their eyes. Just think of that in symbolism terms. Once you get deeper into the book you will understand what I'm getting at, trust me. Colors are important to the book and for further research watch the movie "Apocalypse Now" its based off of The Heart of Darkness.
This book consists of very drawn out, verbose language that at first it is very difficult to follow along the storyline, and reading backwards is often necessary. One hint to the reader is not to take it lightly. At first glance, and also when the reader begins to understand the plot line, it seems like a very simple, straightforward book. This is very untrue. There is an immense amount of symbolism and hidden analogies and descriptions that are written in so well that the reader will often pass them by without second thought. Conrad's writing style is very shady, and takes a deeper look into the fog to derive.
Heart f Darkness is a hard book to read. It may only be 70 pages but those pages are packed with detail and words just waiting to be looked up in a dictionary. Imagery is a huge part of the novel. Some of it is obvious and some must be discussed over and over again before the true meaning can be found. This is aggravating to say the least. Sometimes entire pages must be reread to understand what is being said or alluded to. It is harsh in Africa and Conrad makes sure the description fits this even though it is repulsive sometimes. It was the most difficult novel read this year.
Heart of Darkness is most definitely the hardest book to comprehend and therefore hard to enjoy. The language certainly does not go the reader any favors, but the main cause of this is because the text is so landed with symbolism that it at times threatens to drown it. There are so much symbolism and metaphor in this book that it would be imposable to list all of them but irregardless I shall endeavor to give you some hints. Pay close attention to the use of fog, and ignorance. This is usually represented by darkness another important point. Pay very careful attention when you are reading and if time or Television allow read it more then one.
The writing style of this novel is very complicated and takes time to adjust to. Don't be intimidated and give up though. After reading Heart of Darkness, you'll be glad you did. Not only will your vocabulary be increased, but so will your understanding of the world and human relations in general.
Like Wuthering Heights, you will see the use of frame narrative and dense flowery language that is extremely hard to digest. Conrad gives a breif intro as an unnamed narrator and then marlow takes over most of the narration throughout the story. then kurtz's story is heard, so there are not two but three narrators to the story. Close reading is also essential to this novel. when you first see it you will be unimpressed as it is only around 110 pages, however when you see the text you will be astonished. Once again i will say good luck with this book it and wuthering heights will be the most difficult all year.
ReplyDeleteAlthough this book is not written in the same gothic and flowery language as Wuthering Heights and Frankenstein, it is written in a way that makes you stop and think. Heart of Darkness disguises itself as an easy read because of it's length, but, even on the first page, it can begin to lose readers. Conrad uses several narratives throughout the book, which can and will be hard to understand. This is a book that I would recommend reading twice, if you have the time and patience, just because it needs to be examined and thought about. Heart of Darkness is not an easy read and will probably prove to be one of the most difficult books read all year.
ReplyDeleteHeart of Darkness is a book all about the detail. Each word that Conrad uses has purpose and many sentences have hidden meaning. The book is filled with symbolism and its important to take the time to figure out what each one means because chances are this same symbol will be repeated multiple times. Something important to think about is whether or not you think Conrad is a racist. The way he describes the natives is defiantly degrading, but is he just a product of his time?
ReplyDeleteHeart of Darkness is very based upon symbolism. It is important that the reader takes notes on the major symbols and motifs for reference later, and that they note their meanings. The text itself is not so much about the events along the journey, but is instead about the conversations had along the way and the setting. If one cannot get caught up in the superfluous language, the reading experience would be much more enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteHeart of Darkness is an amazing book. It was written in the late 1800's in Great Britain so that means there will be large words and strange grammar. But really that seems to be what gives the book its individuality. The book is pretty short with long chapters mind you. Its a book about human nature and how some people see other humans as monkeys just because they aren't developed as the British. What you should look out for are symbols. One key symbol to look for is fog. Also, remember this (cause it will help you in the end) think of this: the Africans roll their eyes to reveal the whites in their eyes. Just think of that in symbolism terms. Once you get deeper into the book you will understand what I'm getting at, trust me. Colors are important to the book and for further research watch the movie "Apocalypse Now" its based off of The Heart of Darkness.
ReplyDeleteThis book consists of very drawn out, verbose language that at first it is very difficult to follow along the storyline, and reading backwards is often necessary. One hint to the reader is not to take it lightly. At first glance, and also when the reader begins to understand the plot line, it seems like a very simple, straightforward book. This is very untrue. There is an immense amount of symbolism and hidden analogies and descriptions that are written in so well that the reader will often pass them by without second thought. Conrad's writing style is very shady, and takes a deeper look into the fog to derive.
ReplyDeleteHeart f Darkness is a hard book to read. It may only be 70 pages but those pages are packed with detail and words just waiting to be looked up in a dictionary. Imagery is a huge part of the novel. Some of it is obvious and some must be discussed over and over again before the true meaning can be found. This is aggravating to say the least. Sometimes entire pages must be reread to understand what is being said or alluded to. It is harsh in Africa and Conrad makes sure the description fits this even though it is repulsive sometimes. It was the most difficult novel read this year.
ReplyDeleteOoooo, don't forget about the "Flicker"
ReplyDeleteHeart of Darkness is most definitely the hardest book to comprehend and therefore hard to enjoy. The language certainly does not go the reader any favors, but the main cause of this is because the text is so landed with symbolism that it at times threatens to drown it. There are so much symbolism and metaphor in this book that it would be imposable to list all of them but irregardless I shall endeavor to give you some hints. Pay close attention to the use of fog, and ignorance. This is usually represented by darkness another important point. Pay very careful attention when you are reading and if time or Television allow read it more then one.
ReplyDeleteThe writing style of this novel is very complicated and takes time to adjust to. Don't be intimidated and give up though. After reading Heart of Darkness, you'll be glad you did. Not only will your vocabulary be increased, but so will your understanding of the world and human relations in general.
ReplyDelete