Heart of darkness

Heart of darkness One of the central issues that arise from Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness (1899) is the colonialist bias used to misrepresent the African race. Whilst Conrad was not himself accountable for the xenophobic westernised image of Africa, his story maintains the damaging stereotyping of native people. By painting them as bestialised, barbaric, primitive and uncivilised, he explores the black race through the lens of a hegemonic European representation; Conrads uses of myth and metaphor supported the colonial conquest of African people on the colonisers assumption that these people were racially inferior. Nevertheless, Conrad was writing at a time when the historical representation of Africans had always been a discourse of racism. Also, perhaps Conrad failed to appropriately depict Africans because he recognized little of their culture, having primarily spent time with white men during his 6 months at the African Congo. Moreover, by undermining imperial superiority and giving satanic ref erences to the colonisers, one may contend he is similarly insulting towards the Europeans, and that his exaggerated racism seeks to ridicule Europes civilising mission, and expose the ingrained racist ideals of Victorian imperialists. Marlow, the central protagonist and narrator of Heart of Darkness, expresses old racist prejudices against the Africans: They howled and leaped, and spun, and made horrid faces, but what thrilled you was the thought of their humanity like yoursUgly. Not only does he deny the Africans a distinction of a name, he also rids them of normal human behaviour. Marlow belittles them with derogatory language, stressing that they mimic animalistic behaviour and have no methods of speech outside of violent babble and crude grunts. According to Chinua Achebe, these representations call the very humanity of black people into question. On the matter of communication, it is noteworthy that a small amount of English syllables are placed into the mouths of one or two Congolese Africans. It is in submitting to the hegemonic language of the coloniser that Conrad replaces native culture with his own, which he considers superior. It is this supposition of an advanced humanity which leads Achebe to brand Conrad a through-going racist. Nonetheless, it can be argued that Marlow is a product of a fairly racist era in history; a period in which racist discourses remained structured by Empire to legitimize its political ideology of suppression over the Africans. Like his contemporaries, Conrad is writing at a time where it was acceptable to view Africans as the other, and by overusing the words savage and nigger, he conforms to the racist sentiments of the day. Consequently, his story which was published in the Blackwood magazine, targets the conservative politics of the late nineteenth century. Furthermore, Conrad mentions in his authors note that his over exaggeration of the savage image had the purpose of bringing it home to the minds and bosoms of the reader. This admittance of a distorted characteristic account of the natives may explain his savage depiction of them. He also uses these images to make the setting realistic, accentuating the novels grave themes of darkness, and fear of the unknown. Being a victim of his time, Conrads portrayals of the African race also conform to the evolutionary trope of Charles Darwins theory of evolution. By painting Africans as the prehistoric man, and portraying Marlows voyage upriver as travelling back to the earliest beginnings of the world, Conrad integrates the temporal evolutionary trope in Heart of Darkness; he suggests that Europeans are at a more superior position, since the Africans have not yet emerged from prehistory. His repeated animalistic images of the natives place Africans at the low end of the scale: one of the creatures rose to his hands and knees and went off on all fours towards the river to drink. Linking in with Darwinism science, Conrad reduces the Africans into a subspecies between apes and Caucasians. The African here is represented as a modern ancestor, an animal, a barely human body without intelligence. Consequently, he views the Africans as prehistoric evils in desperate need of European influence and evolutio n; an outlook which reaffirms him as the personification of colonialism. Darwins views which had become entrenched in society are used here by Marlow to provide the principal ideological support for imperialism. Suggests that Europeans are at a more superior position, as opposed to the Africans since the latter has not yet emerged from prehistory Though truthful, Marlow is a prejudiced man; he is the personification of colonialism. Going into the Congo, Marlow views the natives as prehistoric evils in desperate need of white influence and civilization. Throughout the physical journey, Marlow is confronted with the natives time and time again, seeing them chained as slaves, living in a village and attacking his own steam boat. Marlow holds fast his prejudiced view of the natives, referring to them as savages or calling them by more derogatory terms such as niggers. Through his exploration, he questions the humanity of Africans. According to him this deliberate stylistic obfuscation merely aided to satisfy the racial sentiments of the day, and Conrad was only acting as the purveyor of comforting myths Counter argue that he was a polish writer who had to show his mettle with the English language However, in his authors note he writes how over exaggeration is used. Sombre theme given sinister resonance perhaps explains the extreme savage image. It can also be said Much of his animalistic language of the black race conforms to the evolutionary trope of Charles Darwin whose views became entrenched in society. African on all fours like ants. So for someone, who had little contact, he makes use of these derogatory stereotypes, and it can be said that he relies on these preconceived ideas and western baggage since they dominate his descriptions. Maintains, and justifies imperialism, and although he witnesses the horror of colonialism and suppression of the Africans, it is interesting to note his approval of efficient imperialist activity. However, his constant questioning of imperialist values, and the sham of it all, reveal his anti essentialist views. slightly flatter noses. This acknowledges that the black race is more or less equal to whites, barring a few inconsequential physical attributes. Kurtz on the other hand shows no remorse whatsoever. He holds the absolute essential view to exterminate all the blacks. He holds the ideology of making the black race extinct. Hes a ruthless ivory trader, and arranges for the dead heads to displayed on poles. The white race use crude violence, and brute force. Very occasionally the natives show resistance, but their left largely helpless against the overpowering military control of the Europeans. They have no authority or voice. The colonists have become corrupted. They are blinded by the notion that this is their sacred duty to uphold the superiority of the colonial empire and white heritage. Through Marlow disapproval, he shows and exposes the Europeans, is equally deameaning, offensive, and undermines their superiority. flabby white devils.. Critiques immoral European behaviour. Transcends such prejudice, shows him to rise above racism. Ridicules benevolent project of civilisation. Uses an ambivalent tone to show the violent colonial enterprise. Kurtz the ultimate satanic, racist. Has the heart of darkness. However if he is showing Africa to be the reason for the deterioration of the European mans morale, it merely becomes a backdrop which eliminates the African as human factor. They have become marginalised. This marginalisation shows further through Kurtz mistress. He is racist towards her, but not so to his white woman. 333 But its interesting, that Marlow does approve of efficient colonialism. Puts in a section of Brtish colonialism. It is almost with this preconceived mindset that Marlow almost succumbs to this same worst impulsive violent mindset (look at thinking lit answer bold). Going further into self discovery and realises his own heart of darkness. Paints Africa as the heart of darkness, suggesting that its wilderness and wild inhabitants drive the Europeans to insanity and violence. Takes this stance to almost show how the Dark Continent is responsible for his behaviour, thus showing it to be the cause of Kurtzs insanity. Almost blaming Africans that they hold out temptations. His racist sentiments continue throughout. However, unlike the other colonists, Marlow does show some sympathy and admiration towards the natives; a viewpoint, emphasising his forward thinking mindset. Upon his very first encounter, he praises there vitality, muscles and seems entirely at peace with them. Gives the dying man a biscuit, and becomes friends with helman. Has a remote kinship with them as opposed to nothing with Europeans. Therefore it can be evaluated that he is just brainwashed by the politics of the time, but his contemplative nature, allows him to see through the cracks, and appreciate the African race. Later descriptions thus allow for readers to see the absurdity of racism. (Cedric Watts) Conclusion Although Marlow shows himself to be concerned with the heart of humankind, and the souls of individuals, the text emerged out of the very centre of racism and imperialism, therefore Marlow can be seen as merely replicating the colonial discourses available to him. Although he criticises the extreme brutal ness of Imperialism, he discourse is grounded in political, economic interest. He simply looks at Africa through a haze of distortions and cheap mystifications. It can be said that Conrad just uses Marlow to confirm and consolidate the wildest fantasies of the African savages to his European readers. However in my opinion his racist exaggeration and imperialist critique, are used to show how absurd racism was.

Meaning, Interpretation, and Tension in Literature Essay -- Literary A

"Iraqi Head Seeks Arms." (Pinker, p. 69) Quiproquo, double entendre, pun. These are instances of finding more than one possible meaning to an event, most often a phrase. We can't read Shakespeare, or Molià ¨re, or the works of many other authors if we don't believe that something can have more than one meaning. "There is no topic in philosophy that has received more attention than meaning, in its multifarious manifestations." (Dennett, p. 401) Meaning is one of our most intimate bedfellows – it is always in our minds. In Webster's Third New International Dictionary, meaning is defined as follows; 1meaning 1a: The thing one intends to convey by an act or esp. by language b: the thing that is conveyed or signified esp. by language: the sense in which something (as a statement) is understood 2: The thing that is meant or intended: INTENT, PURPOSE, AIM, OBJECT It is especially interesting that there is a difference between 1a and 1b in this definition, because this implies that there can be at least two meanings for a given event or utterance; what the meaner intends, and what the witness understands the meaning to be. The number of possible meanings grows when we consider that there may be many different meanings, or levels of meanings of the meaner. There could also be many witnesses to the event, each with her own interpretation. Each of these situations is like a different context, which could reveal a new sense. One area in which the possibility of the existence of more than one meaning or interpretation creates tension is literature. "Intention, text, context, reader – what determines meaning? Now the very fact that arguments are made for all four factors shows that meaning is complex and elusive, not something once and f... ...case, especially if we concede that certain things from which we derive meaning were created without intent or purpose. Perhaps our concept of meaning is a manifestation of our tendency to make up stories to explain things, or desire as humans to fill emptiness and to expand. We certainly don't have all the puzzle pieces yet; hopefully our understanding will evolve and expand as more information becomes available. Works Cited: Carle, Eric. The Very Hungry Caterpillar. New York; Philomel. 1969. Culler, Jonathon. Literary Theory. New York; Oxford. 1997. Dennett, Daniel. Darwin's Dangerous Idea. New York; Touchstone, 1995. Hofstadter, Douglas R. Gà ¶del, Escher, Bach: an Eternal Golden Braid. New York; Basic Books. 1979 Mayr, Ernst. What Evolution Is. New York; Basic Books, 2001. Pinker, Steven. The Language Instinct. New York; HarperCollins, 1994.

Assignment Final Proposal

In order to enter the global economy, Future Growth Inc. Must gain financial support to achieve appropriate prices and adequate advertisement. Market Structure Future Growth Inc. Holds the determination and ability to gain success. Since being established in 1946, Future Growth Inc. Has financed, built, and sold its brand of forestry and construction equipment. The company has been able to increase profits over the years. As the United States' economy fell, Future Growth Inc. Experienced one-third of its workforce being laid off, a 30 percent decline in profits, and a domino effect from the reduction of sousing market sales.These factors have hindered the construction industry in its entirety. Nursing homes and hospitals still hold a demand for building construction within the united States, despite the economic recession (University of Phoenix, 2014). The heavy construction equipment necessary for the development of bridges, water lines, manufacturing and energy plants, nonresidenti al as well as residential buildings, and roads is manufactured by Future Growth Inc. Among this heavy construction equipment are mixers, off-highway trucks, large cranes, papers, and bulldozers.Having been in the industry for over Alfa of a century, Future Growth Inc. Is an experienced company. Executives have realized that collecting the funds necessary for the investment of this heavy equipment is greatly influenced by the arbitration rate, per capita income, various social conditions, and the existing infrastructure's condition (Gross & Weiss, 1996). The Thomas Money Service Inc. Scenario provided by university of Phoenix (2014) shares, ‘There are currently many domestic and international companies manufacturing construction and forestry equipment.Each company s equipment offers slightly different features and functions, which allows the market to supply many substitutes† (Para 6). This industry is an oligopoly market structure, as it is a market dominated by only a s elect few manufactures of a differentiated or homogeneous product (McConnell, Bruce, & Flynn, 2009). Future Growth Inc. Aims to advertise its unique products in the Middle East, specifically in United Arab Emirates. Product Elasticity Experts insist that construction machinery demand in the Middle East has steadily increased.A number of factors will continue to drive the demand for such machinery in this area Of the world (Sway, 2010. ) Sway (2010) shares hat the General Manager of the AJAX Contractors Association, Humid Salem stated, â€Å"As major developers start to repay contractors, they will be able to repay their sub-contractors and suppliers, giving a major boost to the industry as a whole. This will lead to more growth in the sector, and create a renewed demand for construction machinery as new projects get underway† (Para 3). Future Growth Inc. Also hopes to lease or sell more than 500 pieces of equipment has have been repossessed during the global economic recessio n. In the United States, these products are elastic, while demand elasticity in the Middle East is fairly lower. This provides a great opportunity for Future Growth Inc. To take advantage of that area's new demand for construction. Increasing a business' revenue can be achieved in three different ways: the value of client sales can be increased, client numbers can be increased, and client loyalty can be increased. Raising the price of a service or good is the fastest way to increase revenues.However, price increases for goods and services may not always be the best route to take when increasing revenues is the goal. Client loyalty to the company and product can prove to increase venues, as these loyal customers are willing to pay the price that reflects the experience, value, and skills provided by Future Growth Inc. (Doyle, 2005). Doyle (2005) states, â€Å"Perhaps you need to lose some of the clients who were used to your low prices to make room for clients who are willing and ab le to pay the prices that reflect your true worth† (Para 16).Raising prices has the potential to attract new clientele, as the act of raising prices can express the value of the product provided. When a company holds confidence in its self- worth, the industry as a whole will notice and respond accordingly (Doyle, 2005). Consumers question the value of a product if they perceive prices as being too low. The company's growth can also be hindered if prices are too low, as it has entered an unequal exchange of value. Developing a marketing budget including the increased price from marketing costs is being considered by Future Growth Inc.The ultimate plan is to increase advertisement in the United Arab Emirates and United States. Nursing homes and hospitals may take advantage of repossessed inventory to help meet the demand that the industry has for new facilities. The economy of the United States remains an area of concern for Future Growth Inc. So, exiting this market is not inc luded in the company s plan for growth. Profit-maximizing quantity is a focus of Future Growth Inc. , which is determined through the use of the marginal analysis concept. Future Growth Inc. Determines marginal cost by subtracting the change in total costs. When marginal revenue is greater than marginal cost, the sales of Future Growth Inc. Must increase until marginal revenue and marginal cost are equal. This will optimize profits. The table provided by the University of Phoenix in the Thomas Money Service Inc. Scenario illustrates this. Minimizing product costs s a focus at Future Growth Inc. As well. Traveling by air can keep distribution costs high, whereas water travel can reduce these distribution costs.

Causal Effects Of Gender Quotas On Sub Saharan Africa With...

Section 1: What do you propose to do / what question(s) do you hope to answer? For my research project, I intend to investigate the causal effects of gender quotas in Sub-Saharan Africa with a cross-case analysis. I am currently in the first semester of a two-semester independent study with Professor Holmes where I am researching this topic. The first semester is focused on building a literature review, while the second semester is devoted to creating and implementing a research design to investigate this topic. During the summer, I intend to expand on this project by reviewing more literature on the topic and implementing the research design with the additional data that I collect. Currently, there is an ongoing debate on whether gender quotas produce intended effects of women’s empowerment or simply lead to tokenism in politics. Intended effects vary by country but include descriptive representation and the creation of policy geared towards women’s issues. I aim to investigate whether gender quotas in Sub-Saharan Africa have led to women’s empowerment in politics or tokenism. Section 2: Explain why you want to do this research. What are your goals in undertaking the project, and why is the project you are proposing the best way of achieving these goals? How will this research help further your academic / intellectual development? Why do you find the work exciting? In undertaking this project, I intend to learn more in-depth about gender quotas in Sub-Saharan Africa.Show MoreRelatedOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 Pages2000 (the collapse of the Soviet Union, the reunification of Germany, the surge of globalization from the mid-1990s) and afterward (9/11, or the global recession of 2008) when one could quite plausibly argue that a new era had begun. A compelling case can be made for viewing the decades of the global scramble for colonies after 1870 as a predictable culmination of the long nineteenth century, which was ushered in by the industrial and political revolutions of the late 1700s. But at the same time