Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad | Part 2: Attack On The Steamer

Course Hero

27 Nov 201803:14

Summary

TLDRIn 'Heart of Darkness,' Marlow navigates the treacherous Congo, encountering fog and fear of attack. He witnesses the cannibalistic tendencies of the crew and the violent effects of Kurtz's descent into darkness. Marlow's disappointment at not meeting Kurtz reflects the tragic consequences of unchecked imperialist ambitions, as Kurtz's transformation into a brutal figure is seen as a product of European influence rather than an anomaly.

Takeaways

🚤 The narrative continues from Marlow's journey, highlighting the perilous journey towards the inner station where the manager hesitates to proceed due to the fog.
🌫 The heavy fog and a loud, desolate cry create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, suggesting a possible attack on the steamboat.
🔒 Marlow is prepared for action, with the steamboat ready to move ahead if necessary, showing the tension and readiness amidst the hostile environment.
🤔 The crew's hunger is revealed, as they have only had rotting hippo meat and a few pieces of brass wire to trade for food, indicating their dire situation.
🏹 The steamer is attacked by arrows, and Marlow describes the chaotic scene of a human swarm, highlighting the violent confrontation with the native people.
🗡 The response to the attack is swift and deadly, with the pilgrims firing rifles and a Houseman being struck by spears, showing the brutal reality of colonial encounters.
😔 Marlow's disappointment is palpable as he realizes he may never get to speak with Mr. Kurtz, revealing his deep interest in Kurtz's character and story.
🔮 A flash-forward reveals Marlow's reflections on Kurtz's influence and the darkness that claimed him, suggesting a deeper, symbolic struggle within Kurtz.
📜 Kurtz's report for the International Society is mentioned, which argues for the power of the white man over the 'savages,' but ends with a chilling call to 'exterminate the brutes,' reflecting a tragic irony.
🗣️ The portrayal of Africans in the novella is limited, with most speaking in gibberish or English only twice, raising questions about the authenticity and stereotypes in the narrative.
👤 The Intendant is the only woman who speaks in the novella, and Marlow suggests that Kurtz's downfall is due to the absence of civilized influences, tying his actions to a broader critique of European imperialism.

Q & A

What is the setting of the second part of 'Heart of Darkness'?
-The second part of 'Heart of Darkness' is set about eight miles from Marlow's destination at the inner station, where the manager wants to stop until morning due to heavy fog.
What is the initial reaction of the characters to the fog and the desolate cry?
-The initial reaction of the characters is unease and fear, as they contemplate the possibility of an attack, and the fog and the loud desolate cry seem to cut the silence as if the mist itself had screamed.
Why does Marlow Hall secure the steamboat in the chain?
-Marlow Hall secures the steamboat in the chain so that it can move ahead if necessary, as a precaution against potential danger or attack.
What is the condition of the Congolese crew members' food supply?
-The Congolese crew members have only had some rotting hippo meat to eat that they brought along with them and a few pieces of brass wire to trade for food at non-existent trading posts.
How does the fog affect the events that unfold?
-The fog lifts to reveal an attack on the steamer by arrows, creating a sense of urgency and danger that was not apparent before the fog cleared.
What is the nature of the attack on the steamer?
-The steamer is attacked by arrows from naked individuals with glaring eyes, a swarm of human limbs and movements, which Marlow describes as a chaotic and terrifying scene.
How do the pilgrims respond to the attack?
-The pilgrims respond to the attack with a fusillade of rifle fire, indicating a violent and immediate reaction to the perceived threat.
What happens to the Houseman during the attack?
-The Houseman is struck by Spears and dies at Marlow's feet, which prompts Marlow to reflect on the fate of Mr. Kurtz.
Why does Marlow express disappointment about not being able to talk with Mr. Kurtz?
-Marlow expresses disappointment because he had hoped to gain insight or understanding from Mr. Kurtz, who by then is presumed dead.
What does Marlow recall about Mr. Kurtz's influence and possessions?
-Marlow recalls that everything belonged to Kurtz, including his intended, ivory, station, and river, indicating Kurtz's extensive control and influence in the region.
What is the significance of Mr. Kurtz's report for the International Society for the Suppression of Savage Customs?
-The report signifies Kurtz's initial belief in the potential for whites to exert a positive influence on the 'savages,' but it ends with the chilling directive to 'exterminate the brutes,' reflecting a shift in his perspective.
How does the script portray the African natives and women in 'Heart of Darkness'?
-The African natives are often portrayed as grunting, screaming, or speaking gibberish, and Africans speak in English only twice in the novella. The only woman who speaks, the Intendant, is used to highlight Kurtz's downfall and the absence of civilized influence.
What does Marlow suggest about Kurtz's transformation?
-Marlow suggests that Kurtz's transformation into a figure of violence and possessiveness is not an aberration but an inevitable result of a Eurocentric, imperialist mentality.

Outlines

00:00

🚤 Journey and Fog of Uncertainty

The script begins with the continuation of 'Heart of Darkness', focusing on the journey towards the inner station, where the manager decides to halt until morning due to the fog. The heavy fog and a loud, desolate cry that pierces the silence set the scene for potential danger. The crew is uneasy, and the head man of the cannibals suggests a plan to catch someone named Eden. Marlow, the narrator, reveals the crew's hunger and their desperate situation, having only rotting hippo meat and a few pieces of brass wire for trade. The fog lifts, and the steamer is attacked, leading to a violent confrontation where Marlow witnesses the death of the Houseman, which prompts him to reflect on the fate of Mr. Kurtz.

🏹 Attack and the Darkness Within

This paragraph delves into the violent encounter with the natives, who attack with arrows, leading to a chaotic scene of naked bodies and glaring eyes. The pilgrims retaliate with rifle fire, and the Houseman is tragically killed by a spear, dying at Marlow's feet. Marlow's disappointment is palpable as he realizes he will not be able to speak with Mr. Kurtz, who he believes is also dead. The narrative then shifts to a flashback where Marlow recalls the extent of Kurtz's influence and his claim to the darkness, as well as Kurtz's report for the International Society for the Suppression of Savage Customs, which paradoxically ends with the call to 'exterminate the brutes'. The paragraph also touches on the limited representation of Africans and women in the novella, suggesting a critique of colonial stereotypes.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Marlow

Marlow is the protagonist and narrator of 'Heart of Darkness.' He embarks on a journey to find Mr. Kurtz in the African Congo. His experiences and observations provide a critical view of European imperialism and its effects on both colonizers and the colonized. Marlow's reflections and actions drive the narrative forward.

💡Mr. Kurtz

Mr. Kurtz is a central figure in 'Heart of Darkness,' representing the ultimate result of European imperialism. A once-idealistic man, Kurtz has become consumed by power and madness in the African wilderness. His actions and ideology symbolize the darkness within human nature and the corrupting influence of unchecked authority.

💡Imperialism

Imperialism is a key theme in 'Heart of Darkness,' critiquing the European colonization of Africa. The narrative exposes the brutal realities and moral corruption associated with the imperialist mission. Marlow's journey reveals the exploitation and dehumanization of the African people by European colonizers.

💡Cannibals

The cannibals in the story are part of Marlow's crew, representing the stark contrast between European and African cultures. Their presence challenges the stereotypical depiction of savagery, as they exhibit more discipline and restraint compared to the Europeans. This highlights the hypocrisy and moral ambiguity of colonialism.

💡Fog

Fog symbolizes confusion and the unknown in 'Heart of Darkness.' It creates an eerie and suspenseful atmosphere, obstructing vision and understanding. The fog Marlow encounters signifies the moral and psychological ambiguity that shrouds his journey and the imperialist enterprise.

💡Exterminate the brutes

This phrase, written by Kurtz in his report, encapsulates the extreme and violent ideology of imperialism. It reveals Kurtz's descent into madness and the dehumanizing mindset that justifies the exploitation and extermination of native populations. This phrase highlights the darkness and savagery inherent in the colonial mission.

💡Civilized regulators

Civilized regulators refer to the societal norms and structures that maintain order and morality in European society. Marlow suggests that Kurtz's downfall is partly due to his isolation from these regulators, which allowed his darker instincts to take over. This concept underscores the thin veneer of civilization and the potential for savagery within all humans.

💡Darkness

Darkness is a recurring motif in the novella, symbolizing the unknown, fear, and the intrinsic evil within humanity. It represents both the literal darkness of the African jungle and the metaphorical darkness of human nature and imperialism. Marlow's journey into the heart of Africa is also a journey into the darkest parts of the human psyche.

💡Ivory

Ivory represents the economic motive behind European colonization and the exploitation of Africa's natural resources. It is a symbol of wealth and greed that drives the characters, particularly Kurtz, to commit atrocities. The pursuit of ivory is directly linked to the moral decay and brutality depicted in the story.

💡Powers of darkness

The powers of darkness refer to the corrupting influence and moral degradation brought about by imperialism. Marlow uses this term to describe the forces that claimed Kurtz, highlighting the inherent evil and destructive nature of colonial ambitions. It also reflects the broader theme of the corrupting power of unchecked authority and greed.

Highlights

Part two of 'Heart of Darkness' continues with the journey to the inner station, where the manager wants to stop until morning.

A heavy fog and a loud desolate cry cut the silence, creating an atmosphere of tension and fear.

Marlow is in the chain to allow the steamboat to move ahead if necessary, showing the precarious situation.

The whites are uneasy, while the head man of the cannibals has a plan, highlighting the cultural clash and power dynamics.

The cannibals speak in broken English, revealing their communication with Marlow and the crew.

The Congolese crew members are desperate for food, having only rotting hippo meat and brass wire to trade.

The fog lifts, and the steamer is attacked by arrows, illustrating the violent conflict with the native people.

Marlow observes the chaos of the attack, with naked bodies and glaring eyes, capturing the intensity of the situation.

The pilgrims respond with rifle fire, showing the brutal retaliation against the attackers.

A Houseman is struck by spears and dies at Marlow's feet, personalizing the violence and its impact.

Marlow reflects on the death of Mr. Kurtz, indicating the climax of the narrative and Marlow's emotional investment.

Marlow admits his extreme disappointment at not being able to talk with Mr. Kurtz, revealing his motivations and expectations.

A flash-forward reveals Marlow's recollections of Kurtz's influence and power, deepening the character's complexity.

Kurtz's report for the International Society argues for the whites' unbounded power for good, introducing a moral dilemma.

The report ends with the controversial phrase 'exterminate the brutes,' raising questions about colonial attitudes.

Conrad's portrayal of African natives is criticized for its stereotypes and limited English dialogue.

The Intendant is the only woman who speaks in the novella, highlighting the lack of female representation.

Marlow suggests that Kurtz's downfall is a result of the absence of civilized regulators, implicating European society.

The narrative concludes by identifying Kurtz's possessiveness and violence as a product of a Eurocentric, imperialist mentality.